Derbyshire cafe forced to close as costs more than double

Summarised from Derbyshire Live's report · Updated 23 Oct, 06:38 · Archive

A Derbyshire cafe has closed after costs more than than doubled in recent years.

The Windmill Farm cafe, located off Cat and Fiddle Lane near West Hallam and built around an 18th-century windmill, has closed its doors after four years in operation. Owners Melvin Richardson, 87, and Diane Hunter said the business never turned a profit, with costs rising dramatically since opening in 2022.

The pair attributed the closure to a combination of factors: soaring electricity and fuel costs, rising food prices, increased wages and National Insurance contributions, and VAT obligations. They described small independent businesses as facing a 'perfect storm' of financial pressures. Despite the cafe's impressive facilities, including converted stables and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the surrounding area, and their efforts to operate properly, they concluded they had no choice but to shut.

Read the report

• Sadness as rising costs force another Derbyshire business to close its doorsThe owners say costs have 'more than doubled' in recent years and they have been left with 'no choice' but to shutDerbyshire Live · 23 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Melvin Richardson · Diane Hunter · The Windmill Farm · West Hallam · Derbyshire

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