Nostalgic chain closing all sites after 60 years on UK high streets
It’s the end of an era as a fiercely beloved British chain shutters all remaining sites across the country, with staff members only being informed hours before closure.
The UK high street’s hospitality offering appears to be thinner than ever, what with 16 Franco Manca stores being axed alongside more than 100 Beefeater and Brewers Fayre sites being put on the chopping block.
Those who dwell in London have been forced to say farewell to many BrewDog bars following a company administration and rescue deal, as well as all but one Patty&Bun site in the capital.
Further afield, those who live in West Yorkshire, Halifax, and Brighouse are mourning the latest casualty, with the firm citing declining footfall, Government policy, and rising costs as the factors behind the closure, reported Examiner Live.
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Yes, the rumours are true - beloved café chain Merrie England is no more, with bosses making the heartwrenching decision to shut all seven of its outlets with immediate effect.
The publication wrote that staff were reportedly informed that they had lost their jobs on Monday evening (27 July).
Branches in Oakes, Huddersfield, Halifax, Brighouse, and the Merrie England New Hey Road location have all been axed, with the company calling it a ‘great sadness’.
In a Facebook post, a company spokesperson said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of Merrie England.
“After 60 years, this has been an incredibly difficult decision, and our thoughts are especially with the teams across our seven shops who have lost their jobs.”
The social media lament continued: “We know people may have strong feelings, but we kindly ask that comments are kept respectful. There are real people, families, staff, customers and suppliers affected by this news.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported Merrie England over the years. Your loyalty and kindness have meant so much."
In another statement, posted to the now-defunct Merrie England website, the company said the decision was reached after the 60-year-old business faced ‘a sustained increase in the cost of goods, business rates, energy costs, and the wider rising costs associated with staffing and government policy’.
“Alongside these pressures, we have also seen a reduction in footfall and customer spending, with many people understandably unable or unwilling to pay the prices that businesses now need to charge in order to survive.”
Fans of the coffee chain have been expressing their dismay both online and in various publications.
Jean Wright told Huddersfield Hub that Merrie England was her mother’s ‘favourite place to go for lunch’, and that no other suggestion she could ever make was good enough.
“Used to get my lunch from there when I was at New college in the '90s! A simple ham bap with a toasted fruit teacake! Oh to be able to eat that much bread in one sitting!!! Those were the days.......sorry to hear of your closure,” a Facebook user said.
Another typed: “This I is really sad news and of an era…. It was the go to place for milky coffee, bacon sandwich’s and beef sandwiches … I have lots of found memories …. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy session and I’m sorry you had to make it. All the best to the staff.” (Sic)
Others have suggested how the brand can keep Merrie England alive and kicking, with one writing: “Have a rethink!! Open up in the new food hall - you will do great business. If there is one thing good still in Huddersfield it’s your shops! Everyone has great memories of your established sandwiches and not to mention apple pies!!”
Topics: UK Food, News, Social Media
Ella Scott