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Merrie England announce immediate closure after 60 years in Huddersfield
The chain cited rising costs, lower footfall and government policy as it shut seven shops, with staff told the night before.
- Merrie England, a West Yorkshire cafe chain, announced its immediate closure on Monday after 60 years of operation across seven locations. Staff were notified late Monday night of the decision.
- The firm cited a "sustained increase" in operating expenses including energy, business rates, and staffing costs, alongside Government policy pressures. Combined with reduced footfall and customer spending, these pressures forced closure.
- Operating seven sites in Huddersfield, Halifax, and Brighouse, the Tudor-themed cafes became regional staples known for traditional hot beef sandwiches and apple pie. Poet laureate Simon Armitage famously wrote about the staff.
- Hundreds of customers shared "very sad" memories on Facebook, recalling the cafes as cherished meeting places. Merrie England said its "thoughts are especially with the teams across our seven shops who have lost their jobs."
- The closures highlight wider struggles in the hospitality sector following last year's increase in national insurance contributions. This financial pressure has particularly impacted independent firms, forcing many to close despite decades of community support.
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Merrie England closes down after 60 years following cost pressures
The group, founded in 1966, has closed all of its six sites in Huddersfield, Halifax and Brighouse.
·London, United Kingdom
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Beloved UK coffee shop chain confirms sudden closure of ALL locations after 60 years
Beloved UK coffee shop chain confirms sudden closure of ALL locations after 60 years . A beloved British coffee shop chain is set to disappear from the high street after confirming that all its locations will close
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 22%
C 67%
11%
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