Popular pub announces sudden closure after ‘years transforming space' leaving customers ‘absolutely gutted'

The Sun

26-05-2025

THE sudden closure of a beloved pub and hotel has left loyal locals 'gutted'.
The manager of the Rivelin Hotel in Sheffield broke the news that it would serve its last pint on 1 June.
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The traditional pub is nestled in the picturesque Rivelin Valley in Stannington and is well known for its home-cooked meals.
It scored a 4.2 rating on TripAdvisor with thousands of glowing reviews.
"An excellent family pub, with scrumptious food and amazing service. Love the roast dinners and friendliness, excellent views and play area for kids," one wrote.
Another echoed: "Such good value for money. Delicious food and lovely location. Had many visits to this pub and it's never disappointed."
However, on May 23, management wrote a statement on Facebook, where they broke the news.
The closure will affect 18 staff members.
They said they "wouldn't go into detail" about the reason they've been unable to keep the pub open, but explained it was a dispute between them and the owners of the building and neighbouring farm owners.
They said how they'd spent three years trying to keep the "thriving family pub" open as it was a "safe space for many people."
"It is with great sadness we have to inform you that we will be closing," they wrote on Facebook.
"We are absolutely gutted not only for us but for all our lovely customers , the friends we have made here and the ignorance of potentially jeopardising 18+ staff members' jobs (many of whom have children & mortgages).
"We have loved every minute here and will hold many fond memories and great, strong friendships.
"This pub wasn't just a business — it was a safe space, a community hub, and a place many of us called home. Simon poured thousands into transforming it into the beautiful venue it is today.
"Thank You for all your love and support over the years and we look forward to seeing you all soon.
"Simon, Abbie , Demi and all our lovely Rivelin Family xxx"
It's not all bad news, the team are moving to the Bullshead in Ranmore, which is just seven minutes down the road.
There will be a farewell party on May 31 where a free buffet will be served up.
The pub's last food service will be June 1, but the new pub will have the same menu.
Customers flocked to the comment section, with one writing: "So sorry to hear this. We love our Tuesday night's doing the quiz.
"We love the fabulous food and all your amazing staff. Good luck to you all. See you at The Bullshead."
A second wrote: "Oh no! I've been coming to the Rivelin for decades as part of walks around the valley, spent many an evening sat watching the views from the pub garden and your cheese onion and tomato quiche was legendary!
"Will be a great loss to so many people - your staff are second to none! Please keep the quiche on the menu at the Bulls Head!"
A host of historic pubs have shuttered across the UK in recent months too.
The Ye Olde Swiss Cottage, in north west London, shut earlier this month to the disappointment of loyal customers.
The Abbot's Fireside near Canterbury, which had been in business since the reign of Henry VIII, also closed for good earlier this year.
Meanwhile, London boozer Dogstar shut at the end of 2024 after 150 years.
The wider pub sector is coming under increasing pressure as hundreds of venues close for good.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) recently published figures which said around six pubs shut their doors for good every week last year, resulting in around 4,500 job losses.
The trade body found 289 pubs across England and Wales pulled their last pints in 2024.
The figures revealed London was the most-impacted area, with the capital seeing 34 sites shut for good across the year.
The latest data means the number of pubs in England and Wales has plummeted from 47,613 in 2019 to 45,345 in 2024 - a drop of 2,268.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans