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Pensioners forced to close loved cafe over costs

Sophie Millward
BBC News, Worcestershire
BBC An older man in a black chef's outfit and "Big Bills Cafe" cap rests his arm on his wife, who has shoulder length blonde hair and wears a black shirt and grey cardigan. Both smile warmly in front of a cafe menu. There are a selection of menu and price boards behind them.BBC
The couple opened the café to supplement their pensions

A beloved Worcester cafe, known for its warm atmosphere and hearty meals, is closing after years of serving as a hub for the community.

Big Bill's Cafe owners, Martin, 83, and Sheila, 75, who took over in 2019, cite rising costs as the main reason for closing.

Martin, who retired in 2018, stepped in to help run the café after Sheila's son opened it. "I retired on the 30th of December, started here on the 2nd of January, so my retirement didn't last long," he said.

However, increased rent and energy bills have made it financially unfeasible. "They wanted to up the rent, and add on top of that, water and electric rates, we just couldn't afford it," Martin explained, while Sheila said the situation was "a bit of greed."

A woman in a grey cardigan hugs an older man in a black chef's outfit and a "Big Bill's Cafe" cap. He smiles as they embrace behind the counter. There is a coffee machine in the foreground and menus on boards in the background.
Long-time customer Eve Barley was devastated by the news

Despite the financial challenges, the couple said the best part of running the cafe in St John's had always been the people.

"That's what I'm going to miss, personally," Sheila said. "There are a lot of lonely people who come in and want to sit down and talk to Martin. If they've got problems, they'll tell him and he'll try and help in his way."

Regular customers say the closure will leave a hole in the community.

Daniel Brooks, a loyal patron, said, "I'm just upset I didn't find it sooner. Really great guy, really good food. We've never had a bad meal. Even if we ever did, we'd still come back because he's such a great guy."

His partner, Eve Barley, was equally devastated. "[Daniel] came home the other day and told me the news, and I was so upset. It's the best breakfast in Worcester."

An older man in a navy gilet and grey top smiles as he enjoys his breakfast and coffee in a cafe. There are some notices and menus on the wall behind him.
William is concerned about cafes like Big Bill's Cafe, which serve as community hubs, closing down

Another customer, William, who has been coming to the cafe for seven years, said, "It brings the community together, and that's what you want. But now, no one's going to be talking to one another."

For Martin and Sheila, this will be their second attempt at retirement. "Somebody said the other day, 'For you two, it's not a job, it's a way of life,' and I thought that was a lovely way of putting it," Martin said. "But now, I think this will be the retirement this time."

Despite their sadness, they plan to make the most of their free time. "We'll get up late in the morning, probably go away on weekends, and catch up on some sleep," Martin said.

The cafe will serve its final meals on Saturday, 29 March, marking the end of an era for its owners and customers alike.

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