A long-running tearoom popular with walkers and cyclists has closed its doors after 25 years, but is expected to reopen soon under new management.
Reepham Station Tearooms, based off Station Road in the mid-Norfolk market town, closed at the end of March due to the coronavirus pandemic, but should reopen in early August.
The other businesses on the same site, including Kerri’s Farmhouse Pine furniture shop and manufacturing, Reepham Cycle Worshop and Cushion Cottage, are still open and continue to operate as normal.
The the tearoom has welcomed thousands of people during its two and half decades of serving lunches, cakes, and hot drinks. But in a post shared with its followers on social media, it was confirmed that it would be closing.
A statement read: “With careful consideration we have taken the sad and very difficult decision to close Reepham Station Tearooms.
“We would like to thank you all for your loyal support and have loved every moment in our 25 years of families out for a walk along Marriott’s Way, the busy bustle of cyclists stopping off for a cheeky Norfolk shortcake on their journey, friends meeting up for a catch up, regular customers with a smile on their face and a story to tell. We will seriously miss you all.
“Thank you for your understanding at this truly difficult time.”
The post on Facebook has received more than 100 comments from customers sharing their condolences, and has been shared 40 times.
Those people were thanked for their comments and also asked to support local businesses “through this difficult time”.
The tearoom, which first opened in the Victorian station house back in the mid-90s, is well-known for its picturesque conservatory which runs alongside Marriott’s Way - a former railway line for passengers travelling between Aylsham and Norwich.
Now a heritage footpath, it is enjoyed by ramblers, joggers and cyclists, as well as dog walkers and horse riders.
A spokesperson for the tearoom declined to comment on the closure.
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