Customers' shock as Coventry cafe ceases trading

Gloria & Lil's Parkside Cafe was well known for its homemade food and locally roasted coffee



Customers have shared their shock and sadness after a popular Coventry cafe announced its closure. Gloria & Lil's Parkside Cafe has served homemade brunch, lunch, cake and coffee from its Parkside location in the city centre for three years, after previously spending two years in Rugby.

However, on Monday via its social media channels, it announced it had 'ceased trading with immediate effect'. "Unfortunately, the economic situation, the rising cost of literally everything and the challenges we face every day mean that we had to make the difficult and heartbreaking decision not to continue," the statement read.

"We need to say a huge thank you to our team, without whom our business dream wouldn't have been possible. They are awesome and we know they will miss you greatly.

"But most of all we have to say a huge thank you to you. For supporting us through the most challenging times, for buying recipe books, for choosing an independent over a chain, and for being there every day with a smile. We absolutely couldn't have done it without you.

"We have loved every minute and we will look back on it with the fondest of memories. We will miss you."

The cafe recently showed its caring side by using money raised from its tips jar to provide numerous food parcels to be sent to war-torn areas of Ukraine. Sadly, they have also been victims of vandalism with a glass front door being smashed and the cafe's last social media post prior to the closure revealed it would be shut on Friday, October 28 due to 'some operational challenges'.

Monday's announcement was met with a groundswell of support for the establishment and its owners and employees.