The couple behind two bars and a hair salon in Beeston have gone out on a high after saying farewell to customers. All-day family-friendly venue the Flour Brewer, and specialist gin bar GINious above, have now closed.
The hairdressers Bleu, which was part of the same building, in Chilwell Road, has also shut, with owner Jennie Martyn Eden moving to a friend's salon nearby. Jennie, who ran the businesses with her husband Simon Eden, said "we're off for a normal life" as the couple look forward to stepping away from the stresses of running three businesses.
She said: "We have been doing it for ten years in total and looking at the forecast going forward, the future of hospitality with the rising bills, we said if we were building a big pot of money it was worth it but our little boys are eight and 11 and we don 't have any family time. They say we're never at home.
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"All hospitality is starting feeling the pinch so it was time to make a decision, our lease was up, and we thought it's time to get out and have some family time."
Even though Jennie had the opportunity to stay open at the salon, she decided against it. "I want a fresh start. We're just going to go and have a normal life. We could have probably done it for another two years but then the kids would probably be too old to appreciate us," said Jennie, who also has two grown-up children.
"It's super, super stressful and we wanted to go out while we were in a decent position. I didn't want to go out while things were bad. It does start to take its toll on your body, it's hard work, running three businesses between us. You can't keep that up forever.
"We've had enough. We've had a great time. We are extremely proud of what we've done. Saturday night was our closing down party and it was amazing. I have never seen so many people in one place in my life. It was absolutely fabulous.
"We have done the right thing. It's just going to be a change and take a bit of getting used to," said Jennie, who lives in Arnold. She will be joining a friend at the Lash Lounge in Queens Road, Beeston. "It's only down the road. I've been on my own for quite a while, so it's going to be lovely having some company and having that banter that you have in the workplace environment." Simon will also be starting a new job later this month doing food prep for chefs.
The couple announced with a "heavy heart" their decision to close the Flour Brewer (which they previously ran as The Bar) and GINious on Facebook.
The posted: "After having the bars for the last five years, and the building for the last 10 years, this is a post we never thought we would have to write. We can honestly say our time here has been amazing and we are so thankful for all of the people we have met and the memories we have made along the way.
"We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us, especially throughout the tough times of coronavirus for your custom, loyalty and friendship. We would also like to say thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to our amazing team for their dedication and hard work through all these years and for becoming our extended family, we love you all.
"Despite this, the time has come for us to spend quality time with our children and family, enjoying the mummy and daddy life that we have had to put on hold many times. Beeston will always be a special place to us and we hope to see you all around in the near future when we are shopping or off to the park with the boys."
Customers said they were sad but backed the couple's decision. One said: "Family always comes first. Kids grow up too fast and you never know what's round the corner. Time to put yourselves first. Thank you for working so hard and always making us feel so welcome. We have shared some special times with our friends and family at Flour Brewer and GINious over the years. We will miss you."
Another commented: "I totally understand why you have made this decision but it's such a shame. There are very few places which are so friendly and accommodating as the Flour Brewer. It's become our favourite place because not many are so comfortable for a wheelchair."
