“It was easier during Covid” – Two café-bars close citing rising costs

Two town centre café-bars have closed within days of each other citing rising costs as the reason.

The closures of The Bank Post Office and Coffee Shop in Newbridge and the Gatehouse in Caerphilly town both came as a surprise.

The Bank opened its doors in the High Street in 2018 when husband and wife Ian and Claire Rosser converted the former Lloyds bank to an all-in-one coffee shop and post office.

Just five years later however, Mr Rosser has told Caerphilly Observer how the couple have no choice but to close.

He said: “There have been a number of things that have led to this decision. The state of the economy is the first – people just don’t have the disposable income like they used to meaning they’re spending less.

“The biggest challenge we have faced however has been the rise in bills. Twelve months ago our electric was costing us under £1,000 a month. That number is now £4,000 a month. It isn’t sustainable.”

On top of that, Mr Rosser explained how other costs such as the price of dairy products have increased beyond what the business can afford.

He continued: “We used to fill this place on event nights but we can’t even manage that anymore. We don’t blame our customers, they just don’t have the money anymore.

“The hardest part for us was telling our staff. We’ve got 14 people working for us and now they’re going to have to find jobs to support their families. They’ve worked tirelessly for us and we’re devastated.”

Within the coffee shop lives the village post office which Mr Rosser confirmed will also be lost as part of the closure.

“It’s a terrible thing for the area as it’s a service that’s desperately needed,” said Mr Rosser. “I think this will have an impact on Newbridge as a whole as this is a popular meeting spot for lots of people,” he added.

“Looking back I honestly believe it was easier during Covid. Costs were lower and there was more support available. There are still some grants on offer but they are just sticking plasters not solutions.”

The couple who live in Pontypool will now have to consider what to do next according to Mr Rosser. He said: “For the next few weeks we’re still going to keep our promise and hold the events we have booked in, but the shop itself will close from day-to-day business as of Sunday July 2.

“We would just like to thank everyone for supporting us over the years and say that this has been a very difficult decision to make.”

The Gatehouse’s closure comes just under two years since it opened and a year after it expanded its upstairs section.

Much like The Bank, Gatehouse operated as a café during the day and a bar in the evening and was located in Castle Court Shopping Centre.

In a note left in the window of the popular café/bar, the owner, Lee Edwards, said: “To my loyal and lovely customers. I am so sorry we have had to close, but the current climate has made it impossible to carry on – Team Gatehouse.”

Mr Edwards declined to speak with Caerphilly Observer when contacted.