In yet another blow to the high-street, a well-known Armagh tearoom and café has announced its imminent closure citing ‘rising overhead costs’ as the reason behind the difficult decision.
Based on Thomas Street in the heart of Armagh City, Perfect Blends Tearoom & Treasure has built up an incredibly loyal patronage in its six years of business.
Owing to that loyal custom, owner Donagh Hannon said it had “grown to be more than a business to me”.
Expressing her heartfelt thanks to her “valued” customer-base, Donagh made the shock announcement, saying: “It is with an incredibly heavy heart that I write to inform you of the difficult decision to close our beloved café, Perfect Blends Tearoom & Treasure on Thomas St Armagh.
“We will close our doors for the last time on Friday 28th March at 3pm.
“This place has been more than just a business to me; it has been a home filled with laughter, warmth and countless cherished moments with all of you.
“Your support has meant the world to me and mine over this past 6 years. However, the rising overhead costs have made it increasingly challenging to sustain the business.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude for your loyalty and for being part of our Tearooms family.”
Donagh – who recently took ownership of Caife Mhacha located in the Aonach Mhacha building at the Shambles area of Armagh – stated that Perfect Blends will, however, continue to offer its outside catering services as normal.
Caife Mhacha will also remain open with business unaffected by closure of the tearooms.
Nonetheless, the news has come as a shock to many with several other local business owners taking the opportunity to air similar frustrations and to support for the well-known business-woman in her decision.
Local butcher, Richard Irwin, said: “Sorry to hear this Donna. Best of luck in your new business… no doubt it will be a great success, as you put the hard graft in.
“Thanks for supporting my business over the last 6 years.”
Restauranteur and bar owner, Laura Keegan, added: “Devastated to hear Donna! Overheads are killing businesses! Something needs to dramatically change!”
Another frustrated person added: “I’m deeply saddened to hear this. I think it’s time businesses took a stand against the rising rates, footfall and the development of our town.
“Council need to sit down and think this all through. Do they want our town to have nothing? It’s a sad day Donagh I know this decision wasn’t taken lightly.”
