'Much-loved' Leicestershire tea room closes down amid rising costs

'Limited' indoor seating space for also cited as one of the reasons for the decision
-Credit: (Image: Google)


A charity tea room has been closed due to increasing costs. Bosses at Dove Cottage Day Hospice said its Stathern-based tea room was “no longer profitable or sustainable” and had led to the "difficult" decision.

Dan Smeeton, CEO of the charity, said a “steady decline” in customers at the tea room near Melton was one of the reasons that had forced them to consider where funds would "have the most impact”. The hospice and its shop based above the tea room building will remain open, along with the three other Leicestershire shops in Bottesford, Cotgrave and Asfordby.

Mr Smeeton said: “The Dove Cottage tea room has been a much-loved part of our community for years, and the decision to close it has been incredibly difficult. However, The tea room's rising costs, limited indoor seating space and steady decline of customers means that it has become substantially less profitable in recent times and has forced us to consider where our funds will have the most impact."

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Despite the tea room closure, Dove Cottage will continue to offer services such as symptom management, emotional support, and day care to guests and their families. The charity is calling on supporters to help keep its services fully operational through donations, community fundraising and supporting its charity shops.

Mr Smeeton acknowledged the loss of the tea room was sad, but thanked all who made it possible to run. He said: “Over the years we’ve had incredible support from our amazing volunteers and staff in the tea room and have received such wonderful support from our loyal customers. We will miss each one dearly, but our priority will always be the care and support we provide to those who rely on us the most.”

The charity CEO said Dove Cottage was now “focused on delivering the best possible care” for those in need. Anyone wishing to help can make donations through the Dove Cottage website or by contacting the hospice on 01949 860303.

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