Seeing businesses out in style

Earlier this year, the Voice reported on my being the last customer out of Lidl in Hanham before it closed. 

This started a bit of a goal for me to aim to be the last customer at various establishments closing locally, which is occurring quite often sadly. 

This included being the last customer in the physical version of Eclectic Gift Shop (less planned, but ended up having a good conversation with the fantastic owner Nicola) and the last customer in the Jolly Sailor as a Wetherspoons. 

This has gained me the name among friends as Death Wish … but really it’s about recognising local businesses and seeing them out properly.

For over 10 years me and my sister have had most of our birthday parties in Frankie & Benny’s Longwell Green, typically following a cinema viewing or bowling session. 

With the unexpected closure of Frankie & Benny’s in Longwell Green last month, my family decided to have a final meal there. 

Being one of the final tables to be seated that evening and seeing it through until closure, we managed to be the last customers out after chatting with the staff on shift that night. 

The restaurant is to become a Bella Italia, reopening within the week or so (fast turnaround!), with all staff staying on, with it more acting as a rebrand and menu change.

It will be good to see the new brand but I will miss the Frankie & Benny’s theming we’ve had all these years.

Joseph  Dean, Hanham