16/08/2026
So… that’s it. The Blacksmiths Arms is no more. 💔
After 26 incredible years, tonight we finally turned the key, switched off the lights, and closed the doors for the very last time.
There are moments in life that you know you’ll never experience again, and tonight was one of those moments.
For 26 years, The Blacksmiths Arms has been so much more than just a pub to Sharon and me. It has been our home, our workplace, our second family, and a huge part of our lives. It has been the place where friendships were made, stories were shared, birthdays were celebrated, tears were shed, laughter filled the rooms, and memories were created that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
Tonight was incredibly emotional. There were plenty of tears, plenty of hugs, and plenty of moments where it truly hit us that this chapter has come to an end. But amongst all the sadness, there was also something incredibly special — we got to properly celebrate it.
We got to look around that pub one last time and realise just how many lives have crossed through those doors over the past 26 years. So many faces, so many characters, so many friendships, and so many memories.
To every single person who has ever walked through those doors — thank you. Thank you for your custom, your loyalty, your kindness, your laughter, your stories and, most importantly, your friendship. Whether you were with us for 26 years, 26 months, or simply stopped by once, you became a small part of our story, and we will never forget that.
And to our incredible staff — where do we even begin? ❤️
You have been the backbone of this pub. You have stood beside us through the good days, the difficult days, the busy nights, the quiet afternoons, the celebrations and everything in between. You weren’t just employees; you became part of our family. We could never thank you enough for everything you have given to us and to The Blacksmiths Arms over the years.
A pub is only ever as good as the people inside it, and we have been unbelievably lucky to have had some of the best.
Tonight, Sharon and I officially retire.
It feels strange saying those words after 26 years. There will undoubtedly be mornings when we wake up and wonder what on earth we’re supposed to do with ourselves! 😂 But after giving so much of our lives to this place, we are finally ready to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy the next chapter together.
We’re leaving with incredibly heavy hearts, but also with hearts completely full.
26 years. Thousands of customers. Countless pints. Endless conversations. More memories than we could ever count. And friendships that will last far beyond the final closing time.
The doors may be closed, the bar may be empty, and the lights may have gone out for the final time… but the memories made inside those four walls will never disappear.
So tonight, we don’t just say goodbye to The Blacksmiths Arms.
We say goodbye to an enormous chapter of our lives.
And although saying goodbye hurts more than we could ever put into words, we are leaving knowing that we gave it everything we had, and that we were surrounded by some truly wonderful people along the way.
From the very bottom of our hearts…
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you for 26 years of custom.
Thank you for 26 years of friendship.
Thank you for the memories.
Thank you for the laughter.
Thank you for the tears.
Thank you for making our lives so incredibly special.
The Blacksmiths Arms may have closed its doors tonight, but a little piece of it will always live on in Sharon and me.
Dusty & Sharon — signing out for the final time. ❤️🥂
Here’s to 26 years we will never forget, and to whatever adventures come next.
Goodnight, The Blacksmiths Arms.
Thank you for everything.
You will be missed more than words can ever say. 💔❤️
