A city centre cafe has announced its sudden closure after more than three years. Kettle Cafe on Commercial Street in Newport announced its immediate closure last week, delivering a blow to the city's offering of independent traders.
The family-owned cafe first opened in December 2018 on the ground floor of the historic Westgate buildings on Commercial Street, filling the unit previously occupied by Starbucks. The cafe was popular for its range of coffee and snacks including croissants, cupcakes, paninis and toasties.
However, it had been put up for sale in recent months and its owners have now decided to call time on the business. In a statement posted online they said they’d made the decision to close “with a heavy heart” after a “crazy couple of years” which has seen small businesses across the UK battle with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s been a crazy couple of years as we all know and as a lot of you know myself and my mum are working endless days and hours,” the owners' statement read. “Today [April 14] marks the last day of our adventure. Kettle Cafe will no longer be trading.
“I want to thank each and every single one of you for your support, love, cards, reviews and reposts. We have had a pleasure of serving you over the years. All our love, Lewis, Elaine and Chris (the silent worker who helps behind the scenes).”
The news comes just weeks after Newport Market reopened after a multi-million pound redevelopment. The revamped Grade-II listed market now hosts more than 30 traders, including a packed food court which has seen thousands of people flock to it since it opened in mid-March. See inside the redeveloped market here and check out our ultimate guide to eating, drinking and shopping there here.
