Nostalgic UK cafe chain turns away ‘gutted’ customers at door as it suddenly closes all its locations after 60 years

A NOSTALGIC UK cafe chain turned away customers at the door this morning after it suddenly closed all of its locations after 60 years. Merrie England, known for its traditional Tudor themed cafes, revealed yesterday that it would vanish for good after it could no longer cope with rising costs. The chain operated across West Yorkshire and had a total of six locations, including a drive-thru branch Credit: Unknown But customers who never got the memo were left scratching their heads when they turned up outside their local branch today. “I walked up to the door, and a really nice lady greeted me to say, ‘I’m afraid we’re closed, permanently,” one customer told the Telegraph & Argus. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! “And I said, ‘Why?’ to which she said, ‘I think there’s no money’.” “It’s always a warm and welcoming place for weary travellers, especially when it shows up on this high ground. “I’m gutted for the staff, who were all so nice,” they added. The customer revealed that staff had only been informed of the decision the previous evening. In a statement, the business blamed rising energy and business rates for the decision. The chain operated across West Yorkshire and had a number of locations including a drive-thru branch and an in-house bakery. Most read in Money It was known for dishing up classics such as teacakes, egg custard and apple pie. BPI Asset Advisory has now been appointed to market the business and assets for sale. A deadline for offers closes on August 11. Mark Hodgson from BPI Assets Advisory said: “It’s always sad to see a long-established business reach this point, particularly one that has been part of the local community for so many years. “Our role now is to manage the sale of the business and its assets professionally and sensitively, while seeking the best possible outcome. “We hope this opportunity will attract interest from buyers who recognise the value of an established regional brand and the quality of the business and its locations.” It comes amid a tough time for the UK’s hospitality sector, with many feeling the pain of rising costs and shoppers having less money to burn. Come September, Beefeater, Brewers Fayre and three other chains including Bar + Block will vanish from the high street for good as part of an overhaul plan by parent company Whitbread. Full list of Merrie England branches closing for GOOD Merrie England – Oakes (Drive In) — Huddersfield Merrie England – Brighouse — Brighouse Merrie England – Kirkgate — Huddersfield Merrie England – New Street — Huddersfield Merrie England – Halifax — Halifax Merrie England – Packhorse — Huddersfield Comment now