An "outstanding" cafe that provided a lifeline to vulnerable people during the Covid pandemic has been forced to close after going into liquidation. Carriages Cafe was loved by customers for its breakfasts and afternoon tea served in a nostalgic steam punk setting.
Even before the lockdowns of 2020, it did its bit by running a regular community cafe providing a three-course meal for just £3 for those who were most at need. But it become a tour de force during the pandemic, providing hundreds of two-course meals to make sure the most vulnerable and isolated didn't go hungry during the crisis.
The cafe opened in 2017 after a £500,000 makeover of a former Victorian ticket office and waiting rooms on the platform of Newark Castle railway station. The building, which had been a wine bar, was in a state of disrepair but it was brought back to life with Wendy Baird and her daughter Abigail at the helm.
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When they reopened the cafe after lockdown they found many people were too apprehensive to go out for their usual coffee and cake or lunch, so they reduced operating hours but were faced with rudeness from some who said they should be open.
They announced the sudden closure on Facebook, saying: "It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Carriages Cafe. A 'perfect storm' of events have forced us into liquidation and today we locked the door for the very last time. Thank you for your love and support over the past six years."
Scores of people responded to the sad news. One described them as "a lifeline for so many through Covid." One customer said: "So very very sorry to hear this. Carriages was such a beautiful place that oozed the passion of the team. We wish you all the very best for whatever is next for you all and will always have wonderful memories of when we came over to Carriages."
Others described the cafe as "outstanding" and "fabulous" while the closure is a "huge loss" to the town. So very sorry to hear this. Thank you for bringing style and elegance to Newark Castle. You will be missed by many," said another.
Wendy and Abigail are focusing on their new business Tree Juice Bar and Wellbeing Studios, in Stodman Street in Newark, which remains open.
