Bars and pubs in Sheffield say emotional goodbye as they temporarily close under Tier 3 restrictions

Bars and pubs across Sheffield not serving ‘substantial meals’ have been forced to shut as the city moves under Tier 3 restrictions.
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Shakespeares, on Gibraltar Street, is among a number of pubs and bars in the city which are now temporarily closed after tougher restrictions came into effect at 12:01am on Saturday.

In an Instagram post, the popular boozer thanked its customers for their “incredible” and “unwavering” support.

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Staff at Shakespeares reassured customers that they will be back "whenever that may be"Staff at Shakespeares reassured customers that they will be back "whenever that may be"
Staff at Shakespeares reassured customers that they will be back "whenever that may be"
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The message did, however, remain optimistic with reassurances that Shakespeares will reopen when it is safe to do so.

It said: “We managed a smile last night after an absolutely constant flow of seriously lovely people expressing their sympathy with our situation, their support, and a lot of absolutely pure love for our mad pub.We were also smiling because we actually love our jobs, and we adore what we do. We're not wage slaves, we don't tend bars because we don't know what else to do or "can't" do anything else.

"For most of us, this is our career and we've worked hard for a lot of years in order to be as great at what we do as humanly possible. It is not hard to feel, in the current climate, like it is considered that bar staff don't matter.

"But, we have no intention of re-qualifying. We will not be found working in cyber. We will find a way to work out life on 66 per cent of our wages, somehow. This is what we do. This is what we love. This is our livelihoods and a huge part of our lives.

Two Thirds Beer Co said it had an "emotional" end to Friday nightTwo Thirds Beer Co said it had an "emotional" end to Friday night
Two Thirds Beer Co said it had an "emotional" end to Friday night
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"We will be back, whenever that may be, and we will be doing what we've always done - putting in every effort to make Shakespeare's the best damn drinking hole in the world.

"We can't thank everyone enough for their incredible and unwavering support these last few days. You are all wonderful people.

"See you all as soon as we can. Stay safe out there.”

Two Thirds Beer Co, on Abbeydale Road, said it had an “emotional end to an emotional day” on Friday.

It said: “It’s been an absolute bloody blast having you incredible lot in here with us tonight, we’ve got EVERYTHING crossed that it won’t be too long before we can all do it again. We miss you all already.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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