A spokesperson on behalf of JD Wetherspoon has spoken out after the tragic death of a man who reportedly choked on food on Monday, 11th November at the Palladium Electric, just hours before the town’s Carnival took place.

The Air Ambulance attended the scene, landing at Welton Rovers’ Football ground.

Wetherspoon spokesman, Eddie Gershon, told The Journal: “First and foremost, we send our sympathies to the family and friends of the customer who passed away.

“As soon as a member of staff was made aware of the man choking, staff and customers called the emergency services.

“The Duty Manager then spoke with the emergency services. He was guided through some procedures. A customer stepped in saying they were first aid trained and started to give CPR until the paramedics arrived 5–10 minutes later and they then took over.

“At this time, the Duty Manager started to clear the immediate area of customers and also stopped people coming into the pub.

“The paramedics managed to revive the customer and then an Air Ambulance took the customer to hospital.

“The family of the customer called the pub the following day to say he had passed away, and thanked the team for their efforts.

“We are confident that staff responded well to the situation and refute claims to the contrary.”