New future for popular Sheffield pub taken over by large chain
“We want to give a massive shout out to our team that have helped make this short lived dream possible”
The landlord and landlady of a popular Sheffield pub have released a statement confirming that they will be leaving following the takeover of the venue by a chain.
It’s soon going to be last orders for The New Anglers, a popular pub right in the heart of Handsworth, for reasons which the current owners describe as “outside of their control”.
The New Anglers is a family-run pub, known for offering entertainment such as quiz nights while also showing live football.
The pub has been taken over by Trust Inns Ltd, which owns over 350 pubs.
In a statement, the departing landlord and landlady, Ruth and Tom, explained that they will be ringing the bell for last orders for the final time on Sunday, August 16 after what they describe as a short-lived dream.
Their statement on Facebook reads: “Due to reasons outside of our control we’re announcing that the New Anglers will be closing.
“We are absolutely devastated to be delivering this news as we had so many plans to keep this heart of the community going. Unfortunately the pub has been sold, we have tried our hardest to make a deal work between us and the new owners but this hasn’t been possible.”
They also went on to reflect on the fun that they’ve had running the pub while also confirming who the new owners will be.
They added: “We have gained so many friends over this period and prior to us taking this journey on and that is something we’ll treasure. The support and love we have had during our time has been overwhelming.
“The pub will remain as a pub and will reopen with new management, under the “Trust Inns” banner.
“They’re a large company of pubs and fortunately for them they have the finances to invest in the pub that us as a small company couldn’t do.”
It’s not yet been made clear how long the pub will be out of action as the new owners prepare to get to work and make their mark on proceedings.
However, in the same statement the current occupants added that they have held discussions with them and made it clear how important the alehouse is to the community.
They added: “We believe they will be opening the kitchen and upkeep the pub's community values as we have expressed how important this pub is to the community and our friends.
“We want to give a massive shout out to our team that have helped make this short lived dream possible. Including all of the help before we opened. There’s too many people to name but we couldn’t have done it without you.
“We will ring the bell for the last time on Sunday the 16th August. We hope to see as many of you as possible and look forward to sharing your company between now, then and in the future.
“We can only apologise for any bookings that have been booked that we won’t be able to host after the 16th August.
“Always remember “we’re here for a good time, not a long time.”
The post attracted plenty of interest from customers, with many expressing gratitude to Ruth and Tom for the job that they’ve done in recent years.
Jade Hewitt commented: “You’ve done amazing with it and hopefully the brewery will keep all you’ve done to keep it going. Tom and Ruth you smashed it out of the park and brought back community spirit so hold your heads high knowing how much your customers (friends) praise what you did in a short time.”
Rachel Johnson added: “Absolutely gutted for you all you’ve done amazing and it’s such a shame. As you say here for a good time not a long time so make the most of your last few weeks and love every single person that goes in that pub.”
Joanne Granger said: “Such sad news you will be truly missed.”
Victoria Bailey commented: “Absolutely gutted for you all. Sending lots of love.”