West Yorkshire cafe chain Merrie England has blamed rising costs and government policy for contributing to trading problems by closing its doors after 60 years.
The group, founded in 1966, closed its six sites in Huddersfield, Halifax and Brighouse as it said it faced a “sustained increase” in costs including energy, business rates and staff salaries.
This was combined with fewer customers visiting its cafes and spending less, and the company said it had to increase prices to offset the increased costs.
This comes after businesses were hit hard by last year's increase in national insurance contributions, which has taken its toll on hospitality businesses in particular.
In a message on its website, the group said: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision, made after facing a sustained rise in the cost of goods, business rates, energy costs and the wider rising costs associated with staffing and government policy.
“Along with these pressures, we have also seen a reduction in customer footfall and spending, and it is understandable that many people are unable or unwilling to pay the prices that businesses now have to charge to survive.”
He added: “After 60 years of serving our customers, we want to express our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported us over the decades.”
Merrie England was known for its Tudor-themed cafes and classic dishes such as tea cakes and apple pie.
