A beloved cafe in the heart of Cowbridge has announced its closure after 12 years. Run by brother and sister Bud Saidi and Sam Morgan, Arboreal, situated at 68 Eastgate in Cowbridge, took to social media over the weekend to tell its loyal following the news - which was met with an outpouring of love from foodies and fellow businesses, who were "heartbroken".
Posting an image on Instagram that simply read: "Thank you so so much", the Michelin Guide 2022 restaurant wrote alongside it: "It’s been 12 wonderful years celebrating food & drink with the loveliest of customers - some of whom have become the best of friends. Through this amazing journey we’ve learnt incredible things.
"Sadly today we’ve decided to close our doors and would like to say a few special words to all the people who have worked with us and supported us over the years. We’re incredibly proud to have worked with the best teams and thank you so much for helping us bring arboreal to life. You will be forever cherished. We would also like to say a huge and humble thank you to our supporters and customers during our journey."
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This announcement was met with a flurry of comments from customers far and wide - and local - with many reminiscing over memories made at the establishment. Welsh television presenter Lucy Owen wrote a lengthy homage to the restaurant which read: "Arboreal, you will be so missed. You brought something incredibly special to the high street and we were incredibly lucky to have such a cool, stylish venue, serving the very best, on our doorstep. We have the most wonderful memories of our times there, although some are slightly blurry, largely thanks to Buds’ delicious cocktails, particularly the expresso martinis!
"We’ll never forget the best Christmas lunch we’ve ever had, Gabriel still talks about that gravy to this day, a decade on! Buddy is devastated too - he always had the best welcome and was even spoilt with prime chicken treats on his visits, he’s crushed! To Sam and Bud and all the fabulous staff, past and present, thank you for everything. Here’s to you. Lucy, Rhod, Gabs and Buddy x"
Meanwhile fellow businesses Cobbles Kitchen, Carrot Top Bakery and The Yard Pizzeria voiced messages of condolensce. One wrote: "Oh no gutted! What a beautiful little gem you created. You’ll be missed x", while Carrottop Bakery said: "So sad, we came last Saturday (with the two noisy children) and your staff were fantastic with them!"
The Yard Pizzeria added: "Oh guys. This is heartbreaking. I’m so gutted to be reading this. So sad to loose another fantastic establishment on our high street. You will be truly missed."
Fellow chefs also took to Twitter to voice their sadness at such an establishment shutting up shop. John Cook, of Cowbridge's Rocket and Rye, wrote: "Another restaurant gone today. On the high street. It’s ridiculously sad how this is happening". In response, Owen Morgan, of Bar 44, simply wrote: "Arboreal" followed by a crying emoji face.
This restaurant is the latest in a sadly growing list of popular haunts in Cardiff city centre and its surrounding areas that have been forced to shut its doors - such as Bully's and Sopra 73, who closed due to rising energy costs and bills.
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