Stormy waters for The Ship Inn in Surfleet Seas End as owners close pub doors

A pub at a popular beauty spot has sadly closed its doors for the final time due to rising costs.

Colin and Susan Parker have made the decision with ‘much regret and sadness’ to close The Ship Inn on Reservoir Road, Surfleet Seas End.

A typed letter on the door, signed by the Parkers, explained the difficult time endured by retail and hospitality businesses since the pandemic.

The message goes on to say: “The decided path of the current government has made it nearly impossible to absorb the usual highs and lows of running a small business.

“And with the knowledge of the upcoming further increases with the national minimum wages, National Insurance contributions, council tax rises, the ongoing energy crisis and rising supplier prices leaves us with no choice in this unfortunate decision.”

In the note the Parkers mention that ‘there is only so much we can charge, with good conscience, for a pint or a portion of fish and chips.’

The cost of living crisis has proved a factor in the couple’s decision.

In the note they add: “I hear we will not be the only ones facing these difficult decisions in the months to come much like the many families are with the cost of living across the nation.”

Independent traders in Spalding have been feeling the pinch with pubs such as The White Horse remaining closed and significant shops such as Robert Goddard set to close down.

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