A "wonderful" village pub is at risk of shutting down after a marquee worth tens of thousands of pounds was "maliciously vandalised", leaving the landmark's future on the brink.
Xhetan Bushi, who owns the Manor in Garsington, Oxfordshire, had spent £27,000 on a new marquee to host "gatherings and celebrations" at the pub after the last one was blown away in February's Storm Henk - but vandals slashed the new tent on Sunday morning in a "devastating blow" to the establishment.
The vandals, who Bushi said slashed the tent in "eight or nine places", targeted the uninsured marquee only two days after it was installed.
The pub's team took to social media to voice their feelings about the vandalism, and rallied the Garsington community to provide their support.
The "wonderful" pub had its nearly-£30,000-worth marquee slashed "eight or nine times"
The statement read: "For three years, we've been privileged to serve the wonderful community of Garsington and its surroundings... We are immensely proud of our establishment, which stands as a testament to the dedication of our tireless team.
"However running a business like this has its share of challenges. Rising costs and tighter budgets have forced us to constantly adapt our approach to keep our doors open.
"Yet, with the unwavering dedication of our team, we've managed to keep the spirit of Manor alive. In recent months, we have embarked on a new venture – adding a marquee to expand our space for gatherings and celebrations.
"Unfortunately, our first attempt was foiled by a storm, and now, our second marquee has been maliciously vandalised this Sunday morning.
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Owner Xhetan Bushi said "everything I am trying, it feels like everything is going against me"
"After investing upwards of £50,000, it's a devastating blow, to say the least.
"As we work with local authorities to address this senseless act, we're turning to our community for support. Any information you can provide to assist in the investigation would mean the world to us.
"Let's stand strong, rebuild, and continue creating memories together at Manor. Your support is not just appreciated - it's what keeps us going."
Bushi said he had "no clue" who had vandalised the marquee - adding that the pub did not have CCTV covering where the incident took place.
The owner added that it had been "hard surviving" against the challenge of rising bills - the pub's energy outlay in the last eight months alone reached almost £40,000, which Bushi said was "mental".
He said he was "torn apart" on deciding whether to keep the Manor open, as it was "not working" financially, and expressed his dismay over having to choose between supporting his "hard-working" team and continuing to run the pub, the Oxford Mail reported.
Bushi continued: "Everything I am trying, it feels like everything is going against me... We have invested almost a quarter of a million pounds inside and we have done it from scratch.
"It looks amazing and has big potential - but unfortunately, we find ourselves hitting a rock every time we try to go forward.
"After this news yesterday, I have to meet with the management. It is draining me out, to be honest."
Social media users rushed to the pub's side - one said: "Our community hugely values and relies on the Manor and its wonderful staff and we can only hope that nothing like this ever happens again. Any extension to the business which strengthens it is an asset for us all, just like the pub itself."
Another added: "Shocking behaviour, I hope the person/persons responsible are brought to justice. You and your team have created a wonderful space and hospitality for your guests - you welcome us all as friends, and in tough times for hospitality and catering outlets this is the last thing you should have to endure."
