Party planned as couple say farewell to popular Sleaford pub restaurant after 25 years in charge
After 25 years, a popular Sleaford bar and restaurant is changing hands and there has been an outpouring of well wishes and gratitude from customers and musicians who may have played at the venue.
The family owners have announced they have sold the Barge and Bottle in Carre Street to new owners, a Birmingham-based pub company called Valiant.
Breaking the news on Facebook, they said: “The time has finally come to say goodbye to our fabulous family business that has made and holds so many memories. The Barge & Bottle has been such a huge part of our lives and yours and over our journey together we have built something very very special together.
“We’ve welcomed new additions, we’ve said goodbye to much loved ones, and together in between we’ve created memories that have lived within your hearts and have made The Barge such a special place.”
Donna Wells said they had not realised how much of a community hub it had become, with 275 comments and well wishes and nearly 700 likes and hearts, responding to their post, moving her to tears.
Mick Wells said: “We are just tired and have family commitments. It is time for us to have a bit of a life and take a bit of time out.” Although he said they did not plan on retiring just yet!
He thanked everyone for such lovely feedback.
They added: “The laughter, the moments, the people and the very difficult decision to move on has been the hardest decision of our lives.”
Mick believed highlights included the live music events over the years and the World and European Cup crowds and just seeing people and families enjoy themselves gave them the greatest satisfaction.
The venue will be closed by the new owners for refurbishment between February 9 and March 12.
Mick and Donna said: “We wish them all the best in their new venture continuing our legacy with our amazing staff.” All staff have been taken on by the new owners. They assured existing bookings will be contacted with options for their events.
It will be a celebratory last weekend on Saturday and Sunday, February 7 and 8, and locals are invited to reflect on the great times and give them a good send off while looking to the future on Saturday with live music from 8pm featuring band, General Admission.
The band posted: “If you're anything like us, you'll have hundreds of happy memories in The Barge and we've been invited to play on their final Saturday. Join us and let's celebrate in the only way we know how... with a massive party!”
The couple wish to dedicate Sunday to give their staff a good send off too.
Mick said: “We set out at the beginning to be everything for everybody and hopefully we have managed to achieve that. I’m not saying we have got it right all the time, but we wanted to go out on a high.”