‘Gutted to see you go’: Why the closure of Sheffield’s Devonshire Cat pub has been met with so much sadness

But now the place on Wellington Street is closing, after the beer company that runs it – Abbeydale Brewery – took what it called the ‘incredibly difficult decision’ not to reopen the doors again after lockdown ends.

The move was blamed on a variety of reasons, chiefly the Covid-19 pandemic and the ‘devastating effect’ it has had on the pub’s viability. The venue’s rateable value – used to calculate its business rates bill – was too high for it to benefit from the grants offered, the brewery added, while explaining that there had been an ‘underlying trend’ of a reduction in footfall in recent years.

The Devonshire Cat originally opened in 2001, winning fans by specialising in bottled Belgian imports and local cask ales. Abbeydale took over in 2014, making the pub its city centre flagship venue – the firm, known for producing beers such as Moonshine and Deception, carried out a big refurbishment and extended the kitchen after taking on the lease.

BBC Radio Sheffield sports journalist Adam Oxley was among those who expressed their regret at the closure announcement.

“Understandable, but very sad news,” Adam said on Twitter.

“Had many good nights and great beers in the Dev Cat since the early 2000s, and it was also where my wife and I went for our first date in 2008. Makes you wonder how many other local pubs and bars we won’t visit again post-lockdown.”

The Sheffield Sellers on Etsy group, which met at the Devonshire Cat for team gatherings and social events, said it was ‘so very disappointed’ to learn of the closure.

“You guys have always looked after us so brilliantly when we've been in,” the society, also writing on Twitter, said. “You have just been the perfect venue for us and we wish you all the best of luck for the future.”

The Sheffield Homebrew Club, meanwhile, said a Sheffield without the Devonshire Cat was ‘unthinkable’.

“So sad to hear that you won't be reopening,” the club tweeted.

Dog Friendly Sheffield, which lists pubs owners can visit with their pets, warned: “Make sure you support your faves during this pandemic, or there will be more like this.”

Writing on Facebook, Dani Sempers said the venue had played an especially important role in her life.

“What a shame, I met my husband in the Dev Cat 10 years ago this October,” she said. “We now live in New Zealand, but I have a ring engraved with the co-ordinates of the Dev Cat. Will be very strange without it the next time we take a trip to the UK. Thanks for helping me find my wonderful husband Samuel.”

Joe Harrington, president of the Sheffield Hallam University Students’ Union's real ale society, said the city had lost ‘a real treasure’.

“As a student, Dev Cat was the first pub I visited when I arrived and it has been my favourite ever since," he said on Facebook. “No other public house has managed to consistently provide us with the most welcoming of staff and the best experiences.

“Both mine and many other members' passion for real ale and craft beer has stemmed from pubs such as Dev Cat and some of our strongest friendships were forged in your pub. We used your establishment as our own little hub, as we knew we would enjoy ourselves without failure.”

Louise Bradley said she had her engagement party there just before lockdown began, returning for a Sunday roast the next day. “We're gutted to see you go, thank you for all the good times.”

Rachel Scales reflected that the pub was ‘one of the first to do really good cider’, while Ronald Stevenson said it was ‘one of the best real ale pubs that was family friendly’.

“I remember bringing our two-year-old for lunch, and there was a table set out with crayons and little cutlery," Ronald recalled on Facebook.

“Seriously, as parents you could not wish for more. Your staff were/are 101 per cent brilliant. Please never give up.”

Abbeydale Brewery said it will be concentrating on its other pub, The Rising Sun at Nether Green, from now on.

Georgia Melia said on Facebook: “Abbeydale Brewery will keep strong. The Rising Sun will still be open, which has an amazing selection of beers, wines, gins and other spirits. Great food and a great beer garden for when the green light is given. Also, the brewery itself is providing a fantastic selection of beers and mini kegs now, and will continue after the pubs are open.”

And Sally Baker suggested a crowdfunding appeal could save the Devonshire Cat. “You would get so much support,” she said. “Please think about it.”

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