A popular Aigburth café has issued a "desperate" plea for its survival after facing a string of increased costs.
Catherine Braidy Cake Parlour, the beautiful and beloved pink and white bakery that's an instantly recognisable spot on Aigburth Road, has amassed a devoted following thanks to its intricate cakes and sweet creations, as well as a keen commitment to kindness and charity.
Now, the team behind the beacon of positivity have revealed their struggles. The café recently celebrated its third birthday and for another year in a row, it opened on Christmas Day so people wouldn't be alone over the festive period.
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After the hectic nature of the busy Christmas season, business partners Braidy Maloney and Cath Williams - who run Catherine Braidy Cake Parlour together - are dealing with a dramatic reduction in custom. January is usually a quieter month across the hospitality industry as a whole, after all the spending and splurging over the festive season.
The café owners took to Instagram with an emotive plea to reveal just how tough this January has been for them. A post on the Catherine Braidy Cake Parlour Instagram page reads: "It's hard to know how to say this without coming across as desperate, but in all reality we are desperate.
"Since opening we've been hit with a pandemic which saw us close for 2 months, then saw us serve takeaway only for over a year. We thought we'd be back on track after that, but [were] hit with months of water works right outside the shop, massively impacting footfall and sales.
"Now we're in the midst of a cost of living crisis, not to mention energy prices soaring. So we're here, surviving week by week, on the cusp of closure because it's been so dead. So this is a rally call to say if you can pop in over the next couple of weeks please do.
"We appreciate that we're a luxury and everyone is struggling but the harsh reality for us and many others is that we need your help to survive. Like many other independents it's a case of use us or lose us. Braidy and Cath."
In just a matter of hours, the post had racked up hundreds of likes and heaps of comments. Kayleigh said: "Making sure to be in for a massive sugar fix over the next week when passing".
Megan said: "I'll be in for a coffee this weekend before my walk. Such a brilliant local independent", and Rachel commented: "I know you probably won't read this until later but we won't allow this to happen we will see you both lots this weekend!"
Harriet said: "Shared and we will 100% make the trip over the water. Best bakes (and women) ever". So Coco Rouge salon said: "Sending love, you guys are just the best and we definitely need to make the trip over to you more". Zozo added: "We will be in!!!!"
Catherine Braidy is based at 262 Aigburth Road, Liverpool, L17 9PJ.
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