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Oct 2023

Last Updated: 30/10/2023

Uncategorized

Harrogate Tea Rooms closes immediately

by John Plummer

| 31 Oct, 2023

The Harrogate Tea Rooms in Westminster Arcade has closed with immediate effect.

Owners Carrie and Tony Wilkinson, who have run the business for 13 years, announced the news "with heavy hearts" on social media last night.

They said the day-to-day running costs were not translating into profit.

Their post said:

"We are as sad and shocked as some of you will be.

"Our tenancy with the new landlord was up for renewal, but with increased rent, energy and food costs, lower than ever footfall, our out-of-the-way location and possibly the ever increasing amount of new coffee shops near us, it has forced our decision to unfortunately not be able to move forward with the business.

"It is truly a challenging time for many small businesses.

"We have a massively supportive team of thousands of followers but it is the day to day running costs and effort that is just not translating into profit.

"Obviously that is not sustainable, so we have had to take the decision to walk away."

They added they tried to sell the business "but there is currently no market for the many local tea rooms/cafes up for sale".

The post thanked customers and added they will continue to make scones for delivery.

The Harrogate Tea Rooms was featured in The Harrogate Crime Series by Malcolm Hollingdrake.

Mr and Ms Wilkinson said DCI Cyril Bennett, one of the main characters, will live "in our hearts and memories", and 'will forever be drinking tea from a China cup".

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Harrogate Tea Rooms closes immediately

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