Falling profits and slow business have forced a pensioner to close his beloved tearoom in Little Barrow.
Brian Dykes, 78, opened The Foxcote Tearooms on Station Lane almost two years ago after he moved into the flat above.
He had been paying over the odds in rates for the empty space which used to be The Railway Pub, so turned it into a tearoom opened at weekends only.
After renovating the room himself, it proved to be a popular spot in the small village but in the last few months, Brian has struggled to compete with neighbouring businesses and feels he has no other option but to close.
Now he is in talks with a prospective tenant to turn the space into a Spanish restaurant which they say would do ‘big things’ for the village.
“It’s a great shame really because I liked my little tearoom but business is very slow and after paying my weekend staff and rates, it’s just not profitable,” said Brian.
“I moved here from Sutton Weaver a few years ago and I always wanted to live in Little Barrow because my ancestors were from here, it’s a lovely little village and I knew this building had a lot of history when I bought it off Punch Taverns.
“I just want to let people know that I’m having to close and let them know how grateful I am for all the support they have given me.
“Hopefully a Spanish restaurant will be a welcome asset to the village.”
Brian’s tearoom will close on Sunday, December 22.
