An award-winning vegan doughnut shop launched by two of Hollyoaks ' favourite faces has announced it will close next weekend blaming the "economic crisis" - although they hope it will only be temporary. Film and TV actor couple Emmett J Scanlan and Claire Cooper launched the Doughhnut Whisperer in Cheshire with baker Stephanie Reid last year.
The business, based in Rufus Court, off Northgate Street in Chester, made the shock closure announcement in a post on its Facebook and Instagram pages at the weekend. It prompted a huge response from "gutted" customers.
It specialises in 100 per cent plant-based, luxury doughnuts. Earlier this year the treats were even awarded the title of ‘best vegan doughnuts’ by non-profit animal rights organisation PETA in its eighth annual Vegan Food Awards.
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It comes amid worrying times for the hospitality industry, with a number of vegan restaurants also announcing closures in Manchester in recent weeks. The Doughnut Whisperer team say they will be using the time away to work with new partners, reports Cheshire Live.
The statement by the Doughnut Whisperer reads: "To all who have supported and devoured our doughnuts - thank you. It’s with a heavy heart we will be closing our doors, due to the current economic crisis that the UK is facing.
"Unfortunately it has sadly forced our hand to step back… temporarily. It gives us time to work with new partners without losing the quality of our outstanding award-winning doughnuts.
The statement continued: "You have all been AMAZING. You’ve championed us, supported us and given us so much love throughout our mini journey to date. We’ve met incredible customers and colleagues along the way, in fact that always makes a decision such as this even harder. Thank you for your loyalty.
"Thank you to our extraordinary talented team - you are more than we could have ever have hoped for, you have served up the best doughnuts going - FACT. You have been family.
"As we find our feet and navigate through this next chapter we want to say cheerio for now but not forever! Please celebrate with us by indulging in a final delicious box available online right now, our last order date is the 6th October! Our last day of our shop is the 8th of October so come fill your boots!
"Thank you again for backing a much loved family brand and with much gratitude from everyone at TDW."
Former Hollyoaks star Claire added in the comments: "Love to everyone and thank you for sharing our journey." Husband Emmett, who since leaving Hollyoaks has gone on to acclaimed roles in dramas like The Fall, Kin and The Tower, also added a comment to say: "Love you guys. Thank you for everything".
The post has already prompted a large number of responses, with people saying they were "gutted" by this "really sad news". Many asked if they could do anything to help by putting on a fundraising event to keep it going.
Fellow Hollyoaks star Amanda Clapham said: "This is such sad news. The best plant based doughnuts! I hope you come back soon." Sherlock star Amanda Abbington said: "Oh this is tremendously sad."
Vegan foodies were gutted about the news, @thedoughyvegan said: "Omggg this is so sad EVERYWHERE IS CLOSING". While @veganbusinesses_uk added: "This is so sad, your doughnuts are some of the best out there. Best of lucky with everything and I hope you'll be back soon."
Earlier this month, Emmett had made a video announcement with an "investment and partnership opportunity" to grow and scale the Doughnut Whisperer business. At the time in a statement from Emmett, Claire and Stephanie they said: "We are looking for a partner who is excited by the prospect of a young business, has a wealth of knowledge in growing brands and scaling."
It continued: "We love our brand and excited to take it to the next award-winning level but to do that we need YOU! So if you have the brains, enthusiasm, experience we look forward to connecting wherever you are on the globe".
Customers will get their last chance to grab one of the bakery's famous loaded square doughnuts when the shop opens for the final time on Thursday October 6 through to Saturday October 8 at Rufus Court. The last date for online orders is October 6.
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