December 7, 2018 4.12 pm This story is over 64 months old

Popular Steep Hill pub to call last orders

It has been open to customers for the past 12 years
Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

A popular Steep Hill pub will close its doors for the final time next week after staff numbers were cut to the bone.

A curious sign on the door of Widow Cullen’s Well on Friday, December 7 stating “Closed. Regulars only over Christmas Market” sparked debate.

The reason for the bizarre rule became apparent when managers of the pub spoke to reporters.

They said they don’t have enough staff to cope with extra demand from the market, adding the traditional pub is days away from closure.

It is part of the Yorkshire-based Samuel Smith’s Brewery chain, which operates around 200 pubs in the region.

Operator James Piazza told The Lincolnite the company recently announced working hours and staff would be drastically cut.

He said the pub’s last day of trading would be Thursday, December 13.

James has managed Widow Cullen’s Well for the past four years. He added: “We have poured our heart and soul into this place.

“It’s a shame to see it going. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused, but the chain have taken the staffing hours off of us.

“We normally operate with about seven staff members, but we have just been left with two. It’s been soul destroying and it’s the last thing that we wanted.”

The Lincolnite have contacted the Sam Smith brewery chain, but have been unable to reach them at the time of writing.

It is the end of an era for Widow Cullen’s Well, which has been on Steep Hill for the past 12 years.

It’s a historical attraction of its own, with original grade II listed, 16th century features and an original well covered by a glass walkway at the back of the building.

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