Ripon cafe owner retains humour despite break-in

It was business as usual this morning for one of Ripon’s most popular cafe bistros following a break-in in the early hours.

The entrance door to Oliver’s Pantry was extensively damaged by criminals when they forced their way in.

Tim Grant, who jointly owns Oliver’s Pantry with his wife Lou, told the Stray Ferret:

“Words fail me, we could have done with this like a hole in the head.

“Things are hard enough for the hospitality sector, but we’ve just had to get on with sorting things out.

“We’ve been in contact with the police and our insurers, have carried out a clean up and we are open.”

The couple managed to retain their sense of humour by putting up a sign telling people they were still open — and had cake.

The Grants have run the business on North Street for 12 years and Mr Grant added:

“Fortunately whoever did this didn’t steal anything, but they smashed the door in and caused a mess.”

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