‘It won’t be the same without you’: Wheldale Hotel regulars bid retiring owners farewell

The Express reported on September 16 that the couple are set to retire to Thailand after 18 years' running the pub and hotel opposite Castleford Tigers' OneBore stadium.

The hotel has always remained open but the couple temporarily closed the pub in September 2025 as they started to slow down ahead of retirement.

The couple still own the Wheldale and the pub will re-open when new managers Blaine and Pauline Kellett take over running the business from the end of October.

Dozens of people have commented on the story on the Pontefract and Castleford and Wakefield Express Facebook pages.

Dawn Comer wrote: "Great couple! We wish you all the luck in the world. Always made us so welcome when we stayed , gonna miss you both! Dawn & Chris."

Melanie Ann wrote: "Fabulous couple. Best breakfast in Cas. All the best xxx."

Kevin Lloyd wrote: "Well done on what you have both achieved, have a fabulous retirement and enjoy the travelling xx."

Rachel EF commented: "It wont be the same without you guys. Enjoy every moment."

Craig Vause wrote: "Enjoy your retirement love you both well deserved."

Paul and Donna will leave for Hua Hin in Thailand in November with happy memories of the many close friends they have made in the rugby league community.

Paul, who previously ran a stationery and crafts stall on Castleford Market, said: "It's been an adventure. We have had some great times, some great match days.

"We have got loads of friends from clubs all over the country who follow rugby. Probably the best fans we have had here are Hull FC, they have been really good to us over the years. They spent loads of money at the bar but they were were really nice people as well, probably the best fans we have had.

"The people have been amazing. Without the people this place would be long gone. They supported us and made it happen.

"People have had their weddings, funerals for loved ones, parties for various coming of age events.

"There have been some great rugby nights as well, Cas winning the league for the first time in 2017 and selling a dozen bottles of champagne that night."

Donna said: "I will miss the people, I won't miss the work, the long hours. I will miss the social side of it.

"We have got some fantastic friends. We have met some lovely people over the years. We have enjoyed it but it's time for us to move on."

Paul said the couple have had numerous offers from people who wanted to buy the pub and turn it into various businesses from an Indian restaurant to a children's nursery.

He said: "We wanted to maintain its future as a pub. We ran out of energy because we are getting older but we intended it to re-open as a pub."

Paul, a Leeds United season ticket holder, will be missing out on Elland Road matchdays but on the plus side he and Donna will be living in Thailand.

He said: "It's a lovely country with lovely people. The cost of living is lower and you have got hot sun all year round."