Sophie Millward
BBC News, Worcestershire
Bbc
The couple opened the coffee to complete their pensions
A beloved worm cafe, known for its warm atmosphere and its hearty meals, firm after years to serve as a hub for the community.
The owners of Big Bill’s Cafe, Martin, 83, and Sheila, 75, who took over in 2019, cite the increase in costs as the main reason for the fence.
Martin, who retired in 2018, intervened to help direct the cafe after Sheila’s son opened him. “I retired on December 30, I started here on January 2, so my retirement did not last long,” he said.
However, the increase in rents and energy bills made it financially impossible. “They wanted to increase the rent and add in addition to water and electric prices, we could not simply allow ourselves,” said Martin, while Sheila said that the situation was “a little greed”.
The longtime customer Eve Barley has been devastated by the news
Despite the financial challenges, the couple said that the best part of coffee management in St John’s had always been the people.
“This is what I’m going to miss, personally,” said Sheila. “There are many lonely people who come and want to sit and talk to Martin. If they have problems, they will tell him and he will try to help him in his own way.”
Regular customers say that closing will leave a hole in the community.
Daniel Brooks, a loyal boss, said: “I’m just upset, I didn’t find it earlier. Really great, really good food. We have never had a bad meal. Even if we did it, we would always come back because he is a great guy.”
His partner, Eve Barley, was also devastated. “(Daniel) came home the other day and told me the news, and I was so upset. It is the best breakfast in Worcester.”
William is concerned about cafes like Big Bill’s Cafe, which serve as community hubs, closing
Another customer, William, who has been coming to the cafe for seven years, said: “It brings together the community, and that’s what you want. But now nobody is going to talk to each other.”
For Martin and Sheila, it will be their second attempt at retirement. “Someone said the other day:” For both of you, it’s not a job, it’s a way of life “, and I thought it was a great way to say it,” said Martin. “But now I think it will be retirement this time.”
Despite their sadness, they plan to get the most out of their free time. “We get up late in the morning, we will probably leave for the weekend and catch up with a little sleep,” said Martin.
The coffee will serve its last meals on Saturday March 29, marking the end of an era for its owners and customers.
