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The Willow and Brook pub in Apethorpe to close




Soaring prices have forced a 'heartbreaking decision' on to a couple who run a village pub.

Suzanne and Jim Millar took over The Willow and Brook in Apethorpe in January 2020, just two months before the first national lockdown.

Jim had 30 years' experience as a chef and Suzanne had been working in hospitality since she was a teenager, so it was a 'dream come true' to have their own business.

Jim and Suzanne Millar, owners of the Willow and Brook in Apethorpe
Jim and Suzanne Millar, owners of the Willow and Brook in Apethorpe

The pair pushed through the various lockdowns by adapting to regulations and gaining many loyal customers but as prices continued to rise the future of the business became uncertain.

They decided to call time for the final time on Sunday (April 16).

"The price of everything has tripled," said Suzanne.

"We can't pass that increase onto the customers. It's not possible as nobody would pay that."

Suzanne, 40, describes 'the final nail in the coffin' being the minimum wage increase coupled with a lack of support for small businesses.

"It is heartbreaking," she said. "We feel very forgotten and have been left to fend for ourselves.

"Of course, you take responsibility when you open a business but the economic changes have done a full 180-degree turn. No one could have predicted that. There was no chance for us to build any momentum."

She believes people are cutting costs by swapping meals out for supermarket meal deals and drinking at home - and says she doesn't blame them.

The Willow and Brook is just one of the small businesses that has shut down in recent months due to costs.

"I feel so sad other establishments have gone down this road for the same reasons," said Suzanne.

"Small businesses are families' homes and livelihoods. It is not just a job for us, it is the way we live."

During their time running the Willow and Brook the business and Jim's food have won 10 awards.

The couple say this - and having an 'amazing team and customers' - has been a highlight of their tenure.

"The team was part of our family and that's how we always wanted it to be," she added.

Jim plans to continue working as a chef but there will also be family time.

"For now we will be spending a lot of time with our kids making up for what we missed trying to fight for the business," said Suzanne, adding that she wanted to thank the 'lovely customers who have made it worthwhile'.



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