09/01/2026
So this is sent to you not with a heavy heart but a damaged one. Shortly after New year I was hospitalised with heart problems. If anyone was curious to why we haven’t reopened this year it’s because my body gave up.
It took me two seconds to work out my next move. We won’t be reopening. The doors to Andy’s will remain shut and I’m going to take 3-6 months off work.
I have 3 glorious daughters and I want to watch them grow up to be better versions of me.
Firstly I want to thank my staff. They have been aware of the situation and the outcome and the support they gave me was eye wateringly amazing. It would be poor of me to not take this opportunity to thank them for how they shaped the cafe to being the success it was. From day one they have been front and centre to all my achievements.
From my own point of view it’s been a stunning success, we’ve just had our best financial year ever and the last plate of food we sent out was as perfect as the first. We never lost focus. In fact I was relishing the upcoming year and in the midst of writing a killer new menu.
But after feeding you in your thousands, my body has said No. And I’m too young and too smart and too rich in family to think it would be wise to push on.
To my customers. Thank you. As I town we ask you to support local and you do. Ashton stands head and shoulders above our neighbours because at its core it still thrives on community. We self regulate, we self support. It works. My customers have become my friends.
So the doors are shut while I recover. It’s not up for sale, for now it’s an asset that I would like to hold onto while I track my recovery. If the gods permit, you haven’t seen the last of me. But I may reimagine the future in a different direction. I feel I’ve achieved what I set out to. I’m immensely proud. When I fall asleep each day I smile about what I have done. But it is what it is. Nothing lasts for ever.
Thank you all dearly for everything. I love you all
Andy
