Team behind Spilsby pub say goodbye as they close doors at "end of an era"

The Nelson Butt, in Market Street, has now been bought by another company – with the new owners set to re-open the pub later this week.

To celebrate the “end of an era” at the pub - known locally as “The Nelly” – previous owner Glen Hillaby, business partner Erica Clark and her daughter Ellie-Mae Dodds held a celebration night on Saturday, June 27 – with a cheeky fancy dress theme.

The team said: "It's all very surreal now as we close the door for the last time on what has been our life and passion for over 20 years.

“This hasn't been just a business we have shared so many precious memories and made some many friends and loved ones. And you did us all proud by drinking us dry.

“We have had a cracking end to our last weekend with a ‘S**t Shirt Garden Party’.”

The team said they wanted a change to incorporate “a different work life balance”, adding: "The hospitality trade can be very much in the doom and gloom of the news but we have a very uplifting success story. We would like to wish the new tenants all the best for the future and hope they have as much enjoyment and happy times as we have experienced.”

The announcement via their social media page has garnered hundreds of likes and comments.

One customer wrote: “Thanks for the memories, for the great meals you cooked and served, for the laughs we shared with you, for the great service you provided to each and everyone.” Another added: “Definitely the end of an era, certainly a great loss for Spilsby.”