A POPULAR tea shop is set to close in just days after being in operation for more than 50 years.
Robby’s Tea Shop has served the heart of Luton, Bedfordshire, for decades but will close for the final time next month.
4
4
4
The café, which has been open to loyal customers for decades, announced plans for its sale in 2024, and will close after struggling to renew its lease.
Denise Clayburn, who has run the venue since 2013, said: “Please understand that this has not been a decision that I have taken lightly.
“The last thing I ever wanted to do was to close Robby’s, however I have spent the last three months trying to renew our lease but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be.
“Robby’s has been such a huge part of mine and so many others lives for so long and I will truly miss our Robby’s family.”
Read More on Store Closures
The shop was opened in 1972 by Denise’s father-in-law William Clayburn.
Its name Robby’s came from her late husband Robert, who was William’s one-year-old son at the time.
Denise thanked her team from both past and present as well as the businesses that had supported her over previous years.
She added: “I will forever look back at all the laughter, and sometimes tears that were had with great fondness.
“Again thank you to every single one of you that has supported us over the years, whether it’s been popping in for a cup of tea, bringing the family for lunch, ordering a take away, supporting our outside catering or recommending us to your friends.
“It really is greatly appreciated.”
The iconic venue will be open until April 5 and will celebrate St Patrick’s Day with its customers “one last time”.
Countless fans of the shop expressed their sadness at its imminent closure.
One said: “This shouldn’t be happening.
“Robby’s is history of Luton town.
“The community wants Robby’s café to stay.”
Another added: “Lots of memories over the years – a place I used to go with my nan, then my mum, friends and even my own children.
“Will miss popping in for lunch.
“All the best with your next endeavour but maybe a new location could be perfect your loyal customers will follow.”
‘ABSOLUTELY GUTTED’
A third said: “Absolutely gutted.
“You guys have always been really good with me and my family (3 babies in that number) whenever we popped by.
“Thank you for everything, the good memories, the good humour, and above all, the good food.”
This comes just days after a historic 185-year-old pie and butchers shop announced it would shut its doors by the end of the month.
Burchall’s, in St Helens, Merseyside, will welcome in customers for the final time on March 29, the St Helens Star reports.
A sign has been placed in the window of the town centre shop announcing the news.
It reads: “It is with regret that Burchall’s will be closing down on Saturday, March 29.
“We would like to thank all our loyal customers who have supported us over many years.”
News of the closure has been met with devastation from locals who rely on the shop for the “best” pork pies.
One local, posting on Facebook, said: “End of an era…tastiest pork pies ever…gonna miss them.”
4
#Popular #tea #shop #close #good #DAYS #years
Leave a Reply