THE Angel at Sherston will be closing its doors on Sunday, as its owners seek planning permission to convert part of the Grade II listed building into a home.

The Angel - a restaurant, cafe-bar, and bed and breakfast - will be serving its last meals on Sunday. Sherston residents and visitors have expressed their sadness about the closure, with dozens of comments on Facebook, saying the Angel was an asset to the community and would be sorely missed.

A total of 17 jobs will be lost, including four full time members of staff.

Manager Dave Nelson said that people who had booked already booked rooms would have their reservations honoured.

The kitchen has been closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for several weeks.

"It will be an enormous loss," Mr Nelson said. "There's been a huge outpouring, with people bringing us cards, running through the door - it's been quite something."

"We have grown a great affection for our customers and the response has been quite touching."

Visitors to the village and cyclists have also dropped in to say goodbye.

He added: "It just shows that a non-pub environment is important for some people," he said. "And they really will miss that."

The village does still have two pubs - the Rattlebone Inn and the Carpenter's Arms - but no other cafes. Mr Nelson took over the running of the Angel in August 2017 and said they had worked hard to build a customer base.

"I have lived in the village for three and a half years and have always loved coming here. We've had our ups and downs, but I have been the man behind the bar for 18 months.

"We really wanted to make this work," Mr Nelson said. "There's now a void to be filled."

Paul Jarvis, of Sherston, has applied to Wiltshire Council, for planning permission to change the use of four bedrooms and a restaurant area into a private residence, within the more modern part of the building.

A design statement says the bedrooms were an addition to the B&B business, and along with the restaurant area, have not proved viable. The remaining rooms, lounge and cafe will be sold as a business concern.

"I hope that whoever takes it on can make it work," Mr Nelson said. "The village needs it."

 

Editor’s note:  After publication, we were told by Paul and Caroline Jarvis, the owners of The Angel, that the bed and breakfast business is continuing.