We’ve spent £1m on our dream pub now it could close
A WOMAN who spent £1m gutting a derelict pub on a desolate moor top has told of her fears that the Government could close it just days after it opened.
Sheila Sutton and her brother Ian Roberts had barely put the champagne glasses away at The Boshaw Trout – formerly The Bay Horse – on Penistone Road, Had Edge, last Thursday night when news that more draconian moves were being planned by the Government began to circulate.
On Monday Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, gave the news that had long been dreaded when he said everyone in the UK should avoid ‘non-essential’ travel and contact with others to curb coronavirus – as the country’s death toll hit 55.
In particular he said everyone should avoid gatherings and crowded places, such as pubs, clubs and theatres.
Sheila, a former district nurse, who also runs The Nook pub in Holmfirth and The Tap House with an estimated 30 staff, said: “I couldn’t believe it, I really didn’t see it coming.
“We had all been working so hard and concentrating on getting this new venture off the ground, it had not properly registered.
“I suddenly stopped and realised where it was heading. For 24 hours I was like: ‘What are we going to do? I didn’t think enough about it, I was so busy moving at a million miles an hour.
“It’s just very unfortunate timing for us. We had a very, very successful weekend and we won’t be the only ones suffering from hardship.
“We have a lot of loyalty built up from our Nook regulars over the years and the diehards came out and supported us which was great.
“But to think that after all our hard work and at a stroke we could be having to close within days of opening was devastating.
“We have had lots of cancellations – we had been fully booked for Mother’s Day at the weekend – it’s difficult for people with parents over 70 – but we’re still doing well.
“And The Nook where we have boutique accommodation there has been a lot of cancellations and our beer festival next month is definitely cancelled.
“It’s awful for the staff who are understandably very anxious and who have been very loyal to us.
“But that’s life: you open a lovely new venue and there’s like a guillotine coming down on you. We will survive though. I am confident of that.”
The Boshaw Trout is not the only pub/restaurant to experience difficulties.
The Weavers Shed at Golcar also opened only a few days ago after a major refurbishment.
Jason Knowles, who runs it, said: “We were absolutely rammed on Saturday night and on Sunday we did 77 meals and the place was very busy. It was very, very successful.
“But the last two days have been dead. We had 130 booked for Mothers Day but that is now down to 105. I have just set on 16/17 staff and I have briefed six of them this evening about what might be happening.
“I’m not panicking because everyone is in the same place and I’m in the fortunate position where everything has been paid for and I’m not going to let it get me down. If we have to close we have to close.”
Another Huddersfield area cafe owner said: “Small businesses are getting up to £45,000 in compensation and unlimited loans.
“Everyone needs to get shut to help bring this pandemic to a quick conclusion.
“The government will force them to do so within days.
“The government are giving us a small fortune in compensation.”
To think that all after our hard work we could be having to close within days of
opening