In a heartfelt announcement this evening, the local community bids a fond farewell to Martha's House, the cherished family-run coffee shop, as it closes its doors for the final time.

After 22 years of serving up not just coffee but a sense of community and friendship, the owners have decided it is time to say goodbye.

In a poignant social media post, the family behind Martha’s expressed their deep regret over the closure, thanking every customer who had walked through their doors over the years. The message was filled with gratitude and a touch of nostalgia, reflecting on the countless memories created within the cosy confines of their establishment.

“After many amazing years running Martha’s as a family business, it is with deep regret our doors have closed for the final time,” the post began. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank every single person for the amazing custom we have had over the years! We will always remember and cherish every single memory we have made with our customers, the good and the bad! To some, we were just a coffee shop and to others, a friendship, somewhere we could share many laughs and sometimes hardship. Without you all, there would have been no Martha’s to begin with.”

Martha’s was more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee. It was a hub for the community, a place where relationships were forged and where the staff knew regulars by name. It was a place where laughter was shared and, during tough times, a place of solace.

The owners cited rising costs and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as significant factors in their decision to close.

“Like many small businesses, rising costs, particularly within this sector, and also dealing with the aftermath of Covid has created an environment where we no longer feel this is sustainable,” they explained.

The owners also extended their heartfelt thanks to the past and present staff, who had been Martha’s backbone over the past two decades. Their loyalty and dedication were acknowledged with sincere gratitude.

“And to the staff past and present, for their loyalty and dedication to the business over the last 22 years! Thank you, it has been a blast!”

The closure of Martha’s marks the end of an era for the local community. It leaves a void that will be hard to fill, as it wasn’t just a coffee shop but a beloved part of the local fabric. The final message ended with a simple yet powerful sentiment: “The End of an Era. Love, Martha’s ❤️”.

The legacy of Martha’s will undoubtedly live on in the memories of those who found a second home within its walls.