Cambridgeshire café to close after 'running out of cash' as town reacts to 'sad news'

A Cambridgeshire café is set to close after 'running out of cash'. Art & Soul in St Neots has been running for five and a half years and will be closing on Sunday (May 12).

Tim and Caroline Richardson said the business had "reached the point of no return". They said: "A combination of debts accrued during and immediately post Covid that we are having to pay back each month, increases in costs, trading that is stable but not increasing and the slow recovery of the High Street in general means we must throw in the towel as the current company."

They described the past five years as 'tumultuous' and said they had "made lots of friends, created many jobs, and hopefully brought some brightness and joy into St. Neots". They added: "Sadly though, passion alone doesn't pay the bills."

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The Richardsons said they hope a new Community Interest Company can own and run the business. They said: "We are approaching partial retirement and the current premises lease has four years left to run, so we are keen to move forward with the creation of a Community Interest Company to move the business forward."

St Neots residents described the closure as 'sad news'. Shad Field said: "This is such a shame. It's been an amazing community space. I've had some lovely times there with friends and have also bought some lovely local art."

"This news has knocked the wind out of our sails this morning," a spokesperson for Communities Service Huntingdonshire said. "Such a lovely venue to drop into and meet colleagues whenever we can find the excuse to do so! We've loved the coffee, food, good vibes and wonderful art on display."

Planned jazz club and vegan night events will still take place this week. The couple said: "If you are able to come in this week and say a proper au revoir, we'd love to see you."