Top-rated coffee shop to close with a ‘heavy heart’

A TOP-rated coffee shop has announced with a “very heavy heart” that it will close for good.

The owner, Rachel Mort, revealed she had wrestled with the decision for a year as she shared the gutting news.

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Amore Coffee and Desserts in Westhoughton, south-west of Bolton, is shutting up shop after the owner found it impossible to sustain.

It is a much-loved local spot serving breakfast and dessert options including sandwiches, cakes, waffles and milkshakes.

The shop has long been one of Bolton’s most highly-rated cafes.

Despite her best efforts, Rachel found it impossible to juggle the business alongside other life commitments.

A heartfelt statement appeared on the shop’s Facebook page on Tuesday, addressed to “all our amazing customers”.

Rachel wrote: “Life has taken me on an unexpected journey, a journey which has ripped me from my comfort zone.

“I have explored so many options in which I’d hoped I was able to keep the coffee shop running alongside the work I’ve been called to do, but unfortunately things have just not transpired that way.

Reflecting on the years of trade, Rachel said the shop had “bought so many beautiful people into [her] life”, but had also had the “opposite effect”.

The pressures of running a business inflicted “stress”, “worry” and “entrapment”, Rachel said.

The door will swing shut for the last time ever at 4pm on Friday March 28.

The business has attracted almost 800 rave reviews on Facebook since it opened, with a stunning 94 per cent of people recommending it.

One rating from last year said: “Lovely cafe, the staff are so friendly and the food is fab. Really enjoyed my breakfast and latte. Will definitely be visiting here again.”

But now, that repeat visit will have to be before the end of the month.

Customers flooded the closing-down post to share their sadness at the news, but also to offer support for the owner.

One wrote: “Gutted, love coming to eat there with friends. All the best for the future.”

Another said: “I’m so sorry to read that you’re closing the coffee shop at the end of the month.”

However, they also supported Rachel’s decision, insisting her “wellbeing must come first”.

A third person was equally sympathetic, writing: “Take some comfort in knowing you’re not alone. So many small, beautiful businesses are having to let go of dreams at the moment.

“But just know, you will take so much knowledge and skills with you. This is just a stepping stone in your life.”

Amore is not the only cafe casualty of late.

The owners of another beloved sandwich shop have revealed the devastating reason they’re closing the store just three months after it opened.

Despite the restaurant’s sister site being incredibly popular, locals spotted “To Let” signs in the new venue’s windows.

Urban Bites in Norwich announced its shock closure on March 1, much to the bafflement of residents.