Famous tea room loved by late Queen closes its doors in heart of seaside town forever as owners ‘truly disappointed’
A SEASIDE tea room loved by the late Queen has closed its doors for the last time.
Jam maker Wilkin and Sons in Tiptree, has announced that it is closing the Southwold tea room.
The world-famous company operates eight Tiptree tea rooms across the country and opened its Southwold branch in 2019.
It replaced Costa Coffee on the busy high street and was the company’s first tea room outside Essex.
In 2010, Queen Elizabeth II paid a visit to the Tiptree Jam Factory.
Despite its positive reviews and tasty menu, the tea room announced it was closing on April 25.
Nick Goldsack, head of tea room operations, said: “We are truly disappointed that it has become necessary to close our much-loved tea room in the heart of Southwold.
“Like many others, we have faced challenging times recently and we have reluctantly decided to prioritise investment in tea rooms that are more local to our core operations.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our great staff, loyal visitors, and the supportive local business community who have made our time in Southwold so special over the years.”
This comes after a tea room in Bedfordshire was closed after being in business for more than 50 years.
Robby’s Tea Shop served the people of Luton for decades but announced its sale 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.”
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.”
It closed early this month.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans