CUSTOMERS at a popular Durham deli have been left disappointed after a sudden closure notice appeared on the door of the business – despite only opening in the city a year previous.
The Butcher’s Deli, situated on Saddler Street, burst onto the streets of Durham in April 2021 – giving customers a ‘quirky and different’ take on breakfasts, loaded sandwiches, jacket potatoes, and even tray bake desserts.
However, after only a year in the city, and £150,000 worth of investment spent on The Butcher’s Deli, a forfeiture notice appeared on the doors of the takeaway and restaurant on Friday (May 6) from a bailiff service.
Read more: Take a look inside Durham City's newest venue: The Butcher's Deli
Following the sudden closure of the venue, the business owner for The Butcher’s Deli, John Stirk, posted a statement online – citing the reasons for having to close its doors.
Within the statement, which was circulated on social media over the weekend, Mr Stirk highlighted rent and rates, and the fact that the deli didn’t generate enough sales as reasons for the business leaving Durham.
In a post on social media, Mr Stirk continued: “Unfortunately for one reason or another this business just didn’t work, I know our quality was good, we gave the best service we could and ultimately, we just didn’t generate enough sales to justify the business being there.
“Rent and rates are high but when we went into this project, we had a plan and vision to justify these costs so as business we knew what we were getting ourselves into.
Despite the closure of The Butcher’s Deli, Mr Stirk has vowed to continue – and has thanked customers for their support during the last year.
He added: “I’ve absolutely no regrets in investing into this project or for backing its losses for 12 months, we thought we could turn it round and it just didn’t happen for us.
“We move on as a business.”
After Mr Stirk’s statement was posted online, many customers showed their support – making clear that they were “sad to see it go”.
Commenting on the closure, one user said: “Rates in Durham City are killing the city. When will the council open their eyes before there's nothing left to open its doors? I can't remember the last time I went into Durham for the day, and I've lived here all my life,” while another simply added: “So sad to read this.”
The Butcher's Deli was approached for further comment.
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