Nicole Jones, the owner of Vintage Birdcage Cakery in Charfield, Gloucestershire, has announced the heartbreaking closure of her café after nearly three years of operation. Despite her passion and dedication, a series of misfortunes combined with escalating costs made it impossible to continue.
Opened with the hope of building a pension and creating a nurturing environment for her youngest daughter, Nicole transformed the cold, unwelcoming space into a vibrant community hub offering a wide selection of cakes, coffees, and meals. However, early struggles—including a hefty £30,000 electricity bill, a flood caused by a faulty boiler installation, and a break-in resulting in lost stock—began to drain resources and morale.
Nicole expressed that rising expenses, notably the sharp increases in the National Minimum Wage and National Insurance contributions, pushed operational costs beyond what her small business could sustain. Ultimately, she was forced to invoke her lease break clause and close the doors in Charfield on November 20.
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What has hurt Nicole most is not the financial setback but the impact on her staff and community. She employed 25 people, many of whom relied on the café for stable employment, including autistic individuals to whom she provided a supportive and understanding workplace. The closure has left these employees facing a challenging job market in a hospitality sector under pressure.
Nicole spotlighted the ongoing struggles facing hospitality businesses, where narrow margins, heavy taxation, and rising operating costs force prices up while customers expect affordability. She urged the community to recognize the value and difficulty of sustaining independent businesses in this climate.
While Vintage Birdcage Cakery’s Charfield chapter ends, Nicole confirmed that customers can still visit the Yate location. She remains proud of all she has achieved and thankful for the support received, hoping her café’s spark has brought joy to the local community.