'The Labour Government have made it impossible for small businesses to survive with their crazy decisions': Northern Ireland bakery and coffee shop announces closures this Christmas
Rhiannon Cakes and Bakes says ’rise in raw ingredient costs and overheads, alongside increased employer costs’ have made its CastleCourt and Stranmillis outlets unsustainable
A much-loved coffee and bakery business has announced it will close its two Belfast locations this Christmas, citing rising costs and financial pressures.
Rhiannon Cakes and Bakes confirmed that its kiosk in CastleCourt Shopping Centre and its standalone café in Stranmillis will cease trading. The Stranmillis shop closed yesterday (Saturday) while the CastleCourt kiosk will shut on Tuesday, December 23 from 9am-6pm or sell out.
In a statement shared on social media, owners Rhiannon and Gordon said the decision was taken “with heavy hearts” after concluding the two locations were no longer financially sustainable.
They said increasing raw ingredient prices, overheads and employer-related costs had placed significant strain on the business, making it impossible to continue operating both Belfast outlets.
In a post on social media, owners Rhiannon and Gordon said: "It is with heavy hearts that we share some difficult news. This Christmas, we will be permanently closing two of our four locations — our Stranmillis shop and CastleCourt Kiosk, both based in Belfast. This has been an incredibly hard decision and not one we have taken lightly.
“The continued rise in raw ingredient costs and overheads, alongside increased employer costs introduced by Rachel Reeves & Keir Starmer - The Labour Party government, have made it impossible for these locations to remain sustainable. The Labour Government have made it impossible for small businesses to survive with their crazy decisions! #LabourOUT
“What hurts most is saying goodbye to our wonderful staff teams and the loyal customers who have supported us so faithfully over the years. We are deeply grateful to every single person who walked through our doors, shared kind words, and made these shops what they were. You will be truly missed.”
Despite the closures, the business will continue trading at its other two locations in Craigavon and Portadown.
They continued: “That said, this is not the end. We are very much still here and proud to continue trading at our busiest location, Rushmere Kiosk in Rushmere Shopping Centre, Craigavon, as well as our new Rhiannon’s Café, located in Sitara Morgan, West Street, Portadown. We will also continue to create pre-ordered cakes and cupcakes for all occasions, just as we always have and you will still see us at various events throughout the year!
“So you - our faithful customers in and around the greater Belfast area can still avail of our homemade themed cakes & cupcakes for all occasions, weekly pick-up points will remain in Moira and Stranmillis every weekend!”
The owners also confirmed that all vouchers will remain valid and can be used at the remaining locations or for pre-ordered items.
To mark the final days of trading, CastleCourt kiosk will offer a special promotion with all traybakes and hot drinks priced at £1.50, subject to availability.
They concluded: “Thank you for your understanding, kindness, and continued support during this challenging time. It means more to us than we can say.
“Please continue to shop local and support us, if you haven’t been to our new Cafe in Portadown, why not pay us a visit? Open Monday-Saturday 9am-4pm (all day breakfast menu, lunches & sweet treats / traybakes available).
“Also while shopping in Rushmere, why not call to our Kiosk in front of DV8 and grab a coffee or a homemade treat?”