Cheltenham’s Regent Street, a beloved hub for theatre-goers, shoppers, and fans of independent dining, has been deeply affected by the closure of its third café in a single month. Following the shuttering of French eatery Domaine 16 and the longstanding café The Find earlier this June, the Cake Alchemist at 2 Regent Street has announced it will close after three years in business.
Owner Kleopatra Moraiti shared an emotional message on social media on June 30, expressing heartfelt gratitude to staff and customers who supported the café throughout its journey. Kleopatra credited her assistant manager for unwavering loyalty and dedication, describing their bond as “family.” Although the café will close, Kleopatra promises to continue baking from home, offering her signature Greek cakes by order.
“Running this coffee shop has been one of the most rewarding and beautiful chapters in my life,” Kleopatra wrote. “These past three years have been filled with hard work, passion, and beautiful memories.”
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The closure comes just weeks after Domaine 16, part of Regent Street since 2019, closed, and The Find café’s uncertain future following its closure after eight years. Regent Street — home to The Everyman Theatre and a cluster of independent eateries — has felt the impact of these losses deeply.
Social media responses to Kleopatra’s announcement have been emotional and supportive. A loyal customer reflected, “I know what you’ve gone through to make your dream come true. Such a hardworking, strong, and dedicated lady.” Others praised the café’s unique Greek treats and expressed intentions to continue ordering cakes from Kleopatra at home.
Some community members speculated that the closure of the nearby House of Fraser department store may have contributed to the challenges faced by these businesses. The loss of anchor stores can ripple through adjacent streets, affecting foot traffic and sales.
In response to the spate of closures, Pak-Wai Hung of 288 Bar and Wok on Cheltenham High Street issued a heartfelt appeal to the community: “We don’t have rich backers and are constantly worried about cash flow and bills. We survived two recessions and a pandemic, but rising energy costs, ingredient prices, and taxes are increasing the pressure. I’m not asking for sympathy — just that this month you make one extra visit to your local independent restaurant, café, or bar.”
The closure of Cake Alchemist, alongside Domaine 16 and The Find, marks a sobering moment for Cheltenham’s independent food scene. As challenges mount, the community’s support becomes even more critical to preserving the character and vibrancy of Regent Street’s beloved eateries.