A popular Leeds café and bar is to go into hibernation for six months after its owners revealed its footfall was "through the floor" after being cut off by a major roadworks scheme.
Popular spot Sheaf Street Cafe, which has been open since 2016, is "going into hibernation" for for six months while roadworks in Crown Point Road are being conducted. The owners claim the disruption to the road has left Sheaf Street "physically and visually" cut off.
The venue will remain open until December 23 and is then expected to close until early June 2023. Announcing the news on social media, the owners said: "Sheaf St Café and bar is going into hibernation! When we close for Christmas (end of Fri Dec 23rd) - we will not reopen the café for at least 6 months.
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"We will continue to be open for ticketed events, and for Friday nights (The Friday Residency) but closed all other daytimes, and weekends. The café will have a significantly reduced staff and only service our workspace (Duke Studios) and pre-booked meetings and events in our Meeting Rooms and Event Space.
"We have been very adversely affected by local developments (Aire Park) and significant ongoing major roadworks to Crown Point Road both of which have cut us off both physically and visually. Our footfall is through the floor and has been for the majority of 2022. The current model is sadly not sustainable. We are taking this action in order to survive long term."
The owners added: "We are truly sad to lose a good deal of really great staff members, and it’s heart-breaking not to be able to provide the full offering that Sheaf St has done since 2016. We will regroup, cross our fingers for things to improve locally and globally, and we will be back. In the meantime, please do come see us in these last few days."
Customers rushed to share their sadness about the closure as well as offering support. Ian Ossia said: "Sorry to hear this guys, that's really c**p and undeserved. You're all great."
Stephen Mckeown added: "This is awful news. One of my fave venues in Leeds that has ever existed." Sandeep K Asi said: "I'm so sorry to hear this. You look like a great place all round! I'm interested in your corporate venue hire and hopefully you'll be able to help us next December."
Sallyanne McCroy added: "Aww so sorry to hear this guys. Hope it's only temporary." Joe Beck said: "Bless you lovely lot. Here's to new beginnings. Don't give up."
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