Holbeach thanks Crown publicans for supporting town
Popular publicans are calling time on their tenure behind the bar of a Holbeach pub.
Martin Forward and John Budworth have announced that they are selling-up The Crown Hotel and will be closing the West End Bar on Sunday, August 1.
They bought the pub two years and have made a big difference to the community but have decided to ring the bell for the last time in order to spend more time together.
Mr Forward said: “We have been publicans for a long time and we always said that this would be our last pub.
“At this stage in our lives we want to spend more time together and not be working 100 hours a week.
“We have merged into the majority of the community quite well and they have supported us.
“We have always said that in business, if you support the community, they will support you.
“It is time for a new chapter in our lives.”
Since taking over the pub two years ago, they have become an important part of the community in Holbeach.
Holbeach in Bloom is among the numerous good causes which have been supported by Mr Forward and Mr Budworth over their years in the town.
During the pandemic, Mr Forward and Mr Budworth supported the town’s community food larder along with delivering shopping to elderly customers across Holbeach to ensure they did not miss out.
They also ensured that children in the area were able to speak to Father Christmas by organising the Santa Swarm over the festive period.
The pub’s Santa Sleigh went on a tour of the town during the festivities along with stopping off at various sites including Tesco.
Prior to Covid, they were also instrumental in bringing back a Holbeach tradition of singing Auld Lang Syne in Market Hill on New Year’s Eve.
Mr Forward is hoping that the town will continue with the community spirit that they have started.
He said: “Community spirit is one of the best things that people can achieve together and we would like to thank them for their support.”
The pub - which Mr Forward says has continued to make a profit during the last year - went onto the market on Friday last week.
Holbeach in Bloom Chairman Graham Rudkin has thanked Mr Budworth and Mr Foreman.
He said: “I am disappointed to hear they are going as they have done such a lot for the town.
“I think it is a sad loss for the town and we wish them well in their future endeavours.”
Chairman of Holbeach Parish Council Stephen Johnson said: “It is a great loss and I am sure that they have other plans and we wish them all the best but we are sad to lose them.
“They are fantastic people and have done a lot for the town.
“When they did the Santa Swarm there were so many children outside on their driveways smiling.”
South Holland district councillor Tracey Carter said: “I am gutted they are leaving the town. They are a huge loss to the town and will be missed by the town.
“They have established themselves very quickly and found their place.”