15/02/2026
I'm very sorry to have to say this but, due to the financial impact of the last two government budgets, I have had to make significant changes to my café from April in order to ensure the business can continue to operate and to protect my own stress levels, health and wellbeing.
As a result, Edge Cafe will close after service on Saturday 21st March, after which the Edge Cafe name will come to an end.
Following a short refurbishment period of approximately one week, the premises will reopen as a coffee shop under a new name, Bridge House Coffee Shop, which will be run day-to-day by my staff.
The primary reason for this decision is the substantial increase in operating costs from April. My business rates alone will increase by £10,000, on top of ongoing rises in staffing costs, food prices, and energy costs that I have historically absorbed as much as possible without significantly increasing prices. Overall, the total increase in costs will be just over £13,200, making the current business model no longer viable for the Edge Cafe to operate.
In the most recent budget, many businesses were expecting relief on business rates; instead, my rateable value increased significantly, resulting in a rates bill that will be extremely difficult to manage.
After carefully reviewing every possible option to continue operating as we are, it has become clear that this is no longer sustainable once the new costs take effect in April.
To illustrate the scale of the impact, menu prices would need to rise £6 across the board just to achieve a breakeven, which I believe would not be acceptable or realistic for customers to want to pay.
I appreciate that this decision may disappoint some customers, particularly as the new concept will no longer offer the same style of breakfasts and main meals that Edge Cafe has become known for. However, I am no longer able—physically or mentally—to continue running the business at its current level. My staff are fully aware of this and have been incredibly supportive throughout.
I have complete confidence in my team as they begin this new chapter. They will run the coffee shop on a day to day basis for me, while I continue to support them behind the scenes with the bookkeeping & admin work and general assistance where needed.
When Bridge House Coffee Shop opens in April, we aim to retain the same friendly, relaxed, and dog-friendly atmosphere that customers have enjoyed at Edge Cafe. We will be offering hot snacks, sandwiches, cakes, tray bakes, and similar items. A full menu will be shared closer to reopening.
Thank you sincerely for your support over the past seven years. I truly hope you will continue to support my staff and the new coffee shop as we move forward into this next stage.
Many thanks and immense gratitude for the support you have showed me and my cafe since 2019,
Kind regards
Steve, Owner Edge Cafe.
