Yahoo News ‘Another little gem being lost’: Greater Manchester deli says it 'fought hard' as it announces closure
A Greater Manchester deli and shop has said it is ‘devastated’ after issuing an update about its business on social media. The Cheese Court in Urmston has announced that it will be closing its shop towards the end of May after facing its ‘fair share of challenges’ over the last five years.
The shop which specialises in artisan cheeses, wines, meats, and ‘other nice things’ has become a much-loved part of the Urmston community since opening in May 2019. As well as a deli, it offers a sit-eat menu of sharing platters, brunch, lunch and nibbles, and also hosts regular cheese and wine evenings.
Owners, Louise and Anthony, announced the news yesterday, citing challenges including the pandemic and ‘soaring’ prices for products as some of the reasons behind the shop's closure. Though its last day will be May 24, the team have also said the business will move online over the coming weeks.
In a lengthy post on social media, owners of The Cheese Court said it was ‘with a heavy heart’ and ‘great sadness’ that they were announcing their shop on Crofts Bank Road would close on 24 May.
They wrote: “We have faced our fair share of challenges over the last 5 years from a global pandemic to energy hikes and soaring product prices. We have fought hard, but unfortunately we can no longer sustain the business in its current format.”
However, on a more positive note, they also said it was ‘not the end for The Cheese Court. They added: “Whilst we are beyond devastated to say goodbye to our gorgeous little place, our passion for championing artisan cheese remains and we are busy building our new website to move The Cheese Court online.
“This will enable us to continue to supply you with your favourite artisan produce and also allow us to spend more precious time with our young family.”
The Cheese Court’s owners also thanked its customers, and ‘loyal’ team. “The endless support from our customers has meant everything to us and our journey thus far has been amazing. We hope that you will continue on our journey with us as The Cheese Court enters its next chapter.
“From the bottom of our hearts we would like to thank our wonderful, hardworking and loyal team. We will be eternally grateful.
“We will miss our lovely customers immeasurably and have met some fantastic people along the way. We are still open for a good few weeks yet so please pop in and say hi if you can.”
The social media post was met with an outpouring of support from followers, with many expressing their sadness at the news. On Facebook, one user wrote: “So gutted to see you go, we loved the cheese and wine evenings were amazing. All the best for the online business.”
Another wrote: “We’re so sorry to hear this. You’ve been a wonderful addition to Urmston. Good luck with the online business.”
Others shared their concern over another Urmston business being lost from the high street and reiterated calls to support local shops. “Aww sorry to read this wishing you good luck with your new venture, another little gem being lost in Urmston,” wrote a person on Facebook.
Echoing this, another added: “Another lovely business being lost off our high street. This is the time to support our independent shops that go above and beyond to give a personal service and give life to our towns.”
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News this morning, owner Louise explained that it was a culmination of factors. "We acquired the business at the end of 2018 and opened in May 2019, and I would say the start of this year has been the most challenging since we opened five years ago.
"It's just a bit of everything really. It started with the pandemic, but then was one thing after another, from energy hikes to prices rises on literally everything. Then there was also a downturn in footfall, which I think is probably down to the cost-of-living crisis.
"The high street is so important but for independent businesses right now, it's just so difficult, we just can't continue with the overheads. In terms of going online, we're in the process of sorting that now, and I would like to say it will be sorted by the time we close the shop, but can't confirm for definite."
On what was the best part of running the shop, Louise added: "The community. The people here in this town are so supportive and we've enjoyed speaking to all those we've met along the way."
