"Devastated" sisters to call time on Sheffield village pub citing unsustainable financial strain
“We feel devastated that we cannot carry on, but we have reached a point where we simply can no longer sustain the business”
Two sisters in charge of a Sheffield village pub are to call time on their stint there, after the financial strain and rising costs became too much to bear.
Hannah and Laura have made the announcement in relation to The Castle Inn on Stone Moor Inn in Bolsterstone, Deepcar. It achieved the status of asset of community value in 2017.
The pub, situated on the edge of the Peak District, is owned by Trust Inns who are currently advertising for someone to take over the lease.
Announcing their departure on social media, Hannah and Laura said they were leaving with “the heaviest of hearts.”
They said: “When we took on The Castle Inn, we did so as two sisters with a dream, a lot of determination, and a genuine love for this wonderful village pub. We knew it would be hard work, but we poured everything we had into it.
“Every early morning, every late night, every event, every meal served, every pint poured, and every decision made came from a place of wanting to create something special for our community.
“The Castle Inn has become so much more than a workplace to us. It has been our second home. We’ve celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, new friendships, and countless happy moments with so many of you. We’ve laughed together, cried together, and made memories that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
“Many of you know just how hard we have worked. We have given this pub absolutely everything we had, both personally and financially. We have fought through challenge after challenge and never stopped believing that we could make it work. Sadly, despite our very best efforts, the financial strain and rising costs have become too much for us to continue.
“Making this decision has been heartbreaking. There isn’t a single part of us that wants to say goodbye. We feel devastated that we cannot carry on, but we have reached a point where we simply can no longer sustain the business.
“To our customers, friends, family, suppliers, and the wonderful people of Bolsterstone and beyond—thank you. Thank you for every visit, every kind word, every recommendation, every shared story at the bar, and every bit of support you have shown us. You have helped make The Castle Inn what it is, and we will never forget that.
“Whilst we are heartbroken to be closing this chapter, we are incredibly proud of what we achieved together. We hope that when people think of our time here, they remember a warm welcome, friendly faces, good times, and a pub that was run with genuine care and love.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of our journey.”
The pair say they will share details about their final days at The Castle Inn soon, and are encouraging people to come in and see them before they leave for good.
Punters have reacted to the news with sadness.
Heather Lindley said: “I’m so sad too! You have been brilliant and transformed The Castle from a crazy over-brightly lit bog standard pub to a community friendly, warm welcome, fun space for all. If you and Laura can’t make it succeed financially after all your efforts I can’t imagine anyone else succeeding either.
Joanne Pickering added: “So very sorry to hear this. You have made that pub the best its been in years. You should be so proud of yourselves.”
Helen Baulch said: “This is so sad. You have worked so hard! I’m sure you haven’t taken this decision lightly and should be so proud of what you have achieved in such a hard trade.”