He Says She Waffles, a cherished waffle shop located in Cirencester’s Templar Mews, has announced it will close permanently on Sunday, January 4, after serving the community for almost 12 years. Owners Debbie and Carla shared a heartfelt message on Facebook expressing their gratitude to customers and staff alike.
“Next weekend will be the final time our waffle shop is open,” they wrote. “We want to extend our sincere thanks to every one of you for your loyal support over the years. It has been a true privilege to be part of your celebrations and daily lives.”
The owners also conveyed their appreciation for their dedicated team: “Our hardworking staff, past and present, have been the backbone of this business, and we are deeply grateful.”
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However, the bittersweet farewell included a pointed criticism of Government policy. “Ideally, we would have continued for a while longer, but the current Government policies have created significant challenges for the hospitality sector, which has ultimately influenced our decision to close,” they explained.
He Says She Waffles will remain open throughout this week, excluding New Year’s Day, giving customers a final chance to visit.
The closure announcement sparked an outpouring of support from the local community. One patron wrote, “We love your place and are heartbroken by this news. Visiting your shop was always a highlight when we came to Cirencester. There truly is no other place like it. Thank you for everything you created.” Another added, “A brilliant and fairly priced spot I always enjoyed. I’m sorry to see you close and wish you the best with your next venture.”
Others shared fond memories: “We’ve enjoyed many waffles, milkshakes, and ice creams here – always amazing food. We will miss you!” and “Oh no! I absolutely love those waffles and caramel sauce – I’ve never had a nicer dessert.”
This closure comes amid broader uncertainties in the hospitality industry following the November Budget announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The new business rates reforms, effective from the next financial year, aim to lower multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses by shifting more costs to larger commercial properties like warehouses.
While the Treasury frames this as rebalancing the tax burden to favor smaller firms, industry leaders warn it could result in increased costs overall. The British Beer and Pub Association projects that higher bills could burden the sector by an additional £150 million—putting approximately 12,500 jobs at risk.
As the hospitality landscape evolves under these pressures, the loss of beloved local establishments like He Says She Waffles highlights the tangible impact on communities and small business owners.