Beloved cafe to close after six years as owner, 83, blames rising costs for making it ‘financially unfeasible’

AN ICONIC cafe is closing today, after six years of serving loyal customers.

The venue's proud owners, Martin, 83, and Sheila, 75, have blamed skyrocketing costs for making it “financially unfeasible” to continue.

Big Bill's Cafein Worcester announced on March 20 that they were closing the beloved breakfast cafe.

Martin retired in in 2018 but quickly stepped in to run the breakfast joint after Sheila's son started it, however, six years on the venue has been forced to shut.

He told BBC: “They wanted to up the rent and add on top of that, water and electric rates, we just couldn't afford it.”

The rising bills were put down to “a bit of greed” and they've now reached the point that it was financially unfeasible.

Sheila, who took over with Martin in 2019, said he was one of the main reasons customers came into the cafe.

“There are a lot of lonely people who come in and want to sit down and talk to Martin,” she explained.

“If they've got problems, they'll tell him and he'll try and help in his way.”

In an emotional post on social media, the pair pointed the finger at rising building costs and said the decision was “not made lightly.”

On Facebook, the heartfelt post read: “After many successful years of serving the wonderful community of St. John's in Worcester, we are saddened to announce that our breakfast café.

“Big Bills will be closing its doors with our last day in service 29th March 2025.

“When we first opened up 7 years ago in 2018 , our vision was simple: to provide high-quality, affordable breakfasts for the good people of the local community.

“However, due to rising building costs, it has become increasingly difficult to sustain our operations.”

The pair shared thanks to the tight-knit community which supported them and said they would cherish the six years they had running the cafe.

“While this decision was not made lightly, we want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported us over the years,” the post continued.

“Thank you for making this journey so special – we’ll forever cherish the memories and the connections we’ve made along the way.”

On March 10 it was the birthday of the late Bill Rutter, who the cafe is named after.

In a previous post, the owners shared a post celebrating the date, writing: “I hope you’re proud of what we’ve done.”

The cafe served a range of iconic breakfast foods including a sausage and egg butty, chips, and of course – the full English.

Gutted customers were left devastated by the news and took to the comments to express their dismay.

One disappointed diner said: “That is sad, some of the best breakfasts I have eaten from you, enjoy whatever you will be doing afterwards.”

Another loyal customer said: “Sorry to hear this, much appreciation for all your hard work.

“You will be sorely missed.”

A third cafe-fan commented: “Gutted! Fantastic breakfasts and great people – good luck Martin.”

The owners served its final meals today to its devoted customers, marking the final farewell.#

WHY ARE CAFES CLOSING?

The hospitality industry is facing mounting pressures, including soaring bills, rising costs, and squeezed budgets.

More closures could be on the horizon due to upcoming hikes in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and the national minimum wage.

Manyfood and drinkbusinesses have faced significant challenges recently, as the risingcost of livinghas led to a decline in dining out.

After struggling to recover from the impact of the pandemic, many establishments were then hit with soaring energy bills and mounting inflationary pressures.

This has forced several well-known chains to shut locations, with big brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s among those affected