Pensioners’ well-liked Worcester cafe closes as a result of prices | EUROtoday

A beloved Worcester cafe, identified for its heat environment and hearty meals, is closing after years of serving as a hub for the group.

Big Bill’s Cafe homeowners, Martin, 83, and Sheila, 75, who took over in 2019, cite rising prices as the principle purpose for closing.

Martin, who retired in 2018, stepped in to assist run the café after Sheila’s son opened it. “I retired on the 30th of December, started here on the 2nd of January, so my retirement didn’t last long,” he stated.

However, elevated lease and power payments have made it financially unfeasible. “They wanted to up the rent, and add on top of that, water and electric rates, we just couldn’t afford it,” Martin defined, whereas Sheila stated the scenario was “a bit of greed.”

Despite the monetary challenges, the couple stated one of the best a part of working the cafe in St John’s had at all times been the folks.

“That’s what I’m going to miss, personally,” Sheila stated. “There are a lot of lonely people who come in and want to sit down and talk to Martin. If they’ve got problems, they’ll tell him and he’ll try and help in his way.”

Regular prospects say the closure will go away a gap locally.

Daniel Brooks, a loyal patron, stated, “I’m just upset I didn’t find it sooner. Really great guy, really good food. We’ve never had a bad meal. Even if we ever did, we’d still come back because he’s such a great guy.”

His companion, Eve Barley, was equally devastated. “[Daniel] came home the other day and told me the news, and I was so upset. It’s the best breakfast in Worcester.”

Another buyer, William, who has been coming to the cafe for seven years, stated, “It brings the community together, and that’s what you want. But now, no one’s going to be talking to one another.”

For Martin and Sheila, this shall be their second try at retirement. “Somebody said the other day, ‘For you two, it’s not a job, it’s a way of life,’ and I thought that was a lovely way of putting it,” Martin stated. “But now, I think this will be the retirement this time.”

Despite their unhappiness, they plan to profit from their free time. “We’ll get up late in the morning, probably go away on weekends, and catch up on some sleep,” Martin stated.

The cafe will serve its ultimate meals on Saturday, 29 March, marking the top of an period for its homeowners and prospects alike.