19/06/2022
Hello everyone
I have had to make the very difficult decision to close The Grail, my lovely bakery and shop. Like for most people I know, since the Covid 19 pandemic, life has changed.
Being a small independent business, during lockdown, I did all I could to save my business, I took financial support that was available from the government and invested this entirely into changing the cafe into a bakery and shop in order to be able to continue trading safely and follow government guidelines.
I reopened The Grail in December 2020 with new optimism, but had to close again in July 2021 as I contracted Covid, I was heavily pregnant with our second child and was very ill for several weeks.
As far as The Grail, usually, I would rely on the support of my family to keep things going if I wasn’t able to go to work, but unfortunately they also had Covid 19 at the same time. My Dad, was severely ill in intensive care, I felt under immense pressure.
I realise that this is the case for so many people, I know how important small independent businesses are in our beautiful town, and I know the struggle that many of you are also having, it pains me to have to close, I wish you well and the very best of luck. Since returning to The Grail at the beginning of this year, it’s just not financially viable, especially with the present rise in inflation which has led to this decision.
Thank you to all my customers, thank you for buying my produce, and thank you for all the wonderful interaction which always made my job a pleasure.
To any of you, who have kindly stopped me in the street to ask me how I am over the last couple of weeks and when would I be returning to The Grail, I am so sorry that I wasnt open with you about the situation, it hasn’t been an easy decision.
Love Red x
