A popular cafe in Leeds has been forced to close due to a building collapse. The Kitty Cafe, in Kirkgate, has now warned that it may not be able to "withstand much more", after a string of difficulties.
Staff at the cafe announced on Facebook that it would be closed "until further notice", due to the floor of the old Debenhams building above collapsing into the cafe. They said that this has caused "huge amounts of damage", but reassured customers that - thankfully - all staff and cats are safe.
As damage is "severe" staff have warned that they may not be able to reopen, as the cafe has been hit by a flurry of difficulties - including supplier issues and cost of living expenses. The notice read: "Kitty Cafe Leeds is CLOSED until further notice.
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"The floor from the old Debenhams above has collapsed and caved into Kitty Cafe causing huge amounts of damage. The site is not safe for customers or cats. We are currently taking stock of the situation as the damage is severe.
"What with Covid, cost of living increases, energy prices, supplier issues and now this, closing us in our main peak period- I am not sure Kitty Cafe Leeds can withstand my much more. I will keep you all posted."
The cafe's admin team are said to have attempted contact with everyone who has made a booking. The notice continued: "EDIT - All cats and people are safe - this happened in the night when the cats where safely secured in the cattery !! Thank goodness !
"SECOND EDIT - LOTS of wonderful and kind people are asked how you can help and donate to try and get Kitty Cafe Leeds back on its feet - you can donate on our rescue site kittycaferescue.org and click the donate button (it says Kitty Cafe Nottingham but it is for all cafes and will be sent to deal with this disaster)".
In a further update, staff said that they have been left "devastated" by the damage but have thanked everyone who has donated to try and help. Customers have flocked to send messages of support and donations to the cafe, wishing them a speedy recovery from this disaster.
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