St Neots café owner 'devastated' to close Elsie May's

Naomi Rose revealed the news in a Facebook post that after four years of serving the community, Saturday, January 21, would be the last day her St Neots-based cafe will remain open.

Naomi said: "We have tried our hardest throughout the past 12 months to fight for the cafe and keep the doors open, but sadly it hasn't been enough to beat the financial pressures of the current economic climate.

The café had recently celebrated its fourth birthday on December 4 and enjoyed some great success during its time on Market Square, including winning Britain's Best Loaf at a national competition. (Image: Elsie May's Cafe)

"We tried to make some adjustments during our partial closure before Christmas, but unfortunately, the situation has not improved enough for us to keep going anymore."

Elsie May's had temporarily been shut from October 18 to November 17 to allow Naomi to "rest and recover" and refocus the business after facing what she described as some of the toughest months ever faced.

Despite reducing the cafe's opening days, bringing back cocktails during the day and keeping the bakery closed until new bakers could join the team, the financial constraints proved too much.

Naomi thanked her team for all their hard work, dedication, kindness, memories and laughter. (Image: Elsie May's Café)

Naomi said: "I've tried my absolute hardest to keep the doors open but sadly my best isn't enough."

"We have met some amazing people, and I'm truly honoured to have been a part of such a wonderful community.

"We've received a great number of supportive messages from our customers since we announced the closure and we cannot thank them enough for their support of Elsie May's since the beginning."

I’m gutted by this (although it’s the right decision). It was my favourite place, and I treated it as my “Mayor’s Parlour” during my two years as Mayor of St Neots. It was the venue for my surprise 50th birthday party. Love to Naomi and Andy who have worked their socks off. https://t.co/wAi9c8JMha

— Stephen Ferguson (@borofergie) January 16, 2023

Naomi added that after the closure and some time off, she is hoping to be back with an announcement about a bakery school she is planning to open, however, it won't be at 58 Market Square. 

"The biggest thanks of all goes to my incredible team," said Naomi.

"There are really no words to describe how lucky I've been to have worked with all of them.

"They helped to make Elsie May's the place I always imagined it would be, and for that, I am so very grateful.

After 3.30pm on Saturday, Elsie May's will close for the last time, and Naomi said she would "love to see as many members of our brilliant community there to join us and support the team."