Popular family-run restaurant Boston announces closure, saying 'world's economic climate and Government policy is working against us'

The team behind the Witham and Blues, in Main Road, Langrick, have issued a statement saying this Saturday, August 27, will be the restaurant’s last day for trading ‘until a day when we hope that our business model regains profitability’.

“We appreciate that for many this will come as a complete shock and it’s shocked us at how fast a once profitable business has been decimated by market forces and rising costs,” the statement reads. “Our small team have worked tirelessly to keep our heads above water, our customers have supported and our nights have remained busy with the memory making and special occasion magic we have always known and loved, BUT … the world’s economic climate and Government policy is working against us.”

The message is signed by the company directors: husband-and-wife Bob and Lesley Wilding, their daughters Maddy Taylor and Victoria Burden, and Victoria’s husband Neil.

Speaking to The Standard, Victoria said that the restaurant was well-supported, that customers had returned after the Covid-19 lockdowns and continued to visit amid the rising cost of living, but that the cost of keeping the business running was making it unviable.

This extra cost, she said, stemmed from inflation (food and energy), but also Government policy, such as the rise in VAT or the increase in National Insurance contributions; factors, she notes, beyond the family’s control.

"I know it’s not us,” she said. “It’s our problem, but it’s not our business that is being wrong that has caused this problem.”

The statement pays tribute to the team at the restaurant.

“We are indebted to you for the hard work, for the commitment to making our business work, especially over the last two very tough years,” it says. “You are incredible people with such huge talents and it has been our pleasure to work with you.”

There are also words of appreciation for the customers over the business’ 11-year history.

"This is not a closure due to lack of support, it wasn’t a ‘use it or lose it’ situation,” it says. “You came out! You showed up! You supported us through thick and thin! There was nothing more you could have done, especially during the last year or so you guys really kept us going. Our customers really are THE BEST.”

Speaking to The Standard, Victoria says she feels other businesses in the trade will sadly follow the path now being taken by the Witham and Blues.

"I don’t think we will be the last,” she said.

She said the family will now be focusing on the Witham and Blues’ sister restaurant, the automotive-themed diner and take-out V-ATE Pit Stop, at Sutterton.

She said: "If you would like to support all our hard work and the team that we hope will move over from the Witham and Blues, then supporting V-ATE will definitely help and will ease our worries.”

Her final comment to the paper, though, came in tribute to her sister, Maddy.

“My sister is just amazing,” she said. “She really has kept (the Witham and Blues) going. She has kept the morale going. It’s been a lot on her. She has done really well.”