Harrow residents have expressed their sadness after a popular cafe in North Harrow announced its permanent closure yesterday evening.
Red Cup Cafe, based at the Pinner Road junction, has been part of the community since it first opened its doors back in September 2015. The former Indian restaurant quickly became a local favourite winning numerous awards including the Good Food Award three years in a row.
Like many local businesses, especially those in hospitality, the cost of living crisis has hit hard and Red Cup Cafe has sadly announced that they are permanently closing.
Posting via their social media pages, Red Cup said: “To all our amazing loyal friends and customers. We are distraught to inform you that, after 7 supersonic, megatastic years sharing our hospitality dream with all you amazing beautiful souls, we have had no choice but to come this soul-destroying, devastating and emotional decision.
“We have been hammered with a rental increase on a new lease extension, which is completely unaffordable for us in the current climate. A new energy contract early next year (on just electricity) would also add another £15,000 per year on our costs.
“Due to what we have had to endure over the last few years or so, the pandemic, the current economic climate, drastic increases in food prices, lack of continued support from the Government, overheads we are having to maintain etc, we have now been forced into this as we cannot raise prices to an unaffordable level just to cover these costs.
We would like to give a massive thank you from the bottom of our grateful hearts, not just for your custom and support, but letting us share so many of fabulous and unfortunately difficult moments with you.
“We are so proud of our achievements and what we have accomplished since opening in 2015; creating a local community hub, building a fantastic young team, raising money for charities dear to our hearts and various media appearances.
“THIS ISN’T THE END, JUST THE BEGINNING OF ANOTHER CHAPTER- The Dancing Chef will be back, as will the CEO! We will be updating our social media pages so please do ensure to keep following us and drop us messages (we would love to hear from you!).
“But for now this is Reena, Henal & Zaiya saying a massive thank you, good night, stay safe, Happy Christmas and New Year.
“We will work on coming back in a new form, stronger and determined. We would love to hear your thoughts.”
Reacting to the post, many Harrow residents commented with their condolences and best wishes to Reena and Henal who have continuously worked hard to stay in business over the last seven years.
Kalpana Patel said: “So very sad to read this post. Absolutely heartbroken, I feel you Reena. It’s so tough don’t know how the powers (that be) expect small businesses to survive in this climate. Going to miss Red Cup Cafe & all your friendly faces sooo much. You guys have done an amazing job in the last 7 years not just for the community but for other charities too. I know you, Henal & Zaiya will do even better things ahead. Wishing you lots of best wishes and success for the future.”
David Lawes posted: “I can’t tell you how sad I am to read this. The Red Cup knocked all the other cafes in the borough into a cocked hat. I’ll miss popping down for my omelettes and my Christmas dinner every Christmas, not to mention my tea in the customary red cup.”
Kilpa Patel said: “Very sorry to read this Reena and Henal. Wishing you all the best in your new venture. Thank you for all your support in the community during the pandemic! Best of luck guys.”
Stephen Conway commented: “Absolutely devastating for the local community and the local economy a fantastic local enterprise run by the most lovely people now a victim of greed on many fronts. I hope that reading all the love in the comments will be some comfort at this very sad time.”
