A CITY centre butcher has made the difficult decision to retire after 26 years.
Phillip Watson will leave Syd Smith & Son in The Gallery, after spending almost three decades at the butchers.
Mr Watson's final day will be on Saturday, July 1 and he said that it will not be easy for him to say goodbye.
However, he hopes someone will take over the business based inside the market hall in The Shambles.
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He said: "It is going to be very, very weird for a long time I would imagine. I have been doing this for a very long time.
"I have been sole trading for the last 13 years and I am here six days a week, so it will be a big blow to the body.
"Once upon a time there were 17 butchers along The Shambles and now I am the last remaining.
"I don't really want to leave but the time is right now and I just want to thank my customers and let them know my decision."
Mr Watson originally wanted to retire sooner but continued working due to the rising bills and costs being experienced across the UK
"I wanted to retire after Christmas but with the cost of living crisis, things were rather difficult.
"Although I am retiring, I really want to pass the torch on and see it continue running.
"I think if someone wants to come in with some fresh ideas it could be a really good business to continue."
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Mr Watson has been sharing his plans with customers but does not yet know what the future holds.
He said: "I have started to tell a few customers and they have certainly been sad to hear that I will be leaving.
"As for my retirement plans, I have nothing in mind as of yet.
"I'd imagine I will start with a bit of a break and then see where things take me."
In January, Mr Watson's wife Karren Watson made the difficult decision to close Cheese to Please which was based just next door to the butchers due to rising costs.
If you are interested in owning the business, you can contact Mr Watson by calling 07818 665520.
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