Café loses trade and stock to utility nightmare

Crumpets Café in Earlestown had to quickly close last Saturday due to losing electricity, with owners of the café having to leave early.

Ken Punshon, owner of Crumpets Café, said: “By mid-afternoon, we abandoned the day and went home to where we live in Runcorn.

"We later received a text stating that the electricity would be back on by 7pm. When I came back, there was a huge hole full of water outside!”

“I arrived back at the café at 8pm to find several utility vehicles, lights flashing, and the café cordoned off and a traffic light system in place- all we could do really was sit it out.”

“Monday morning, me and my wife came in and because there was water everywhere, we had to bin everything- all the stock.”

A hole has been dug outside the café following the ongoing repairs

The café was able to reopen on Tuesday, however, the damages following the leak has had a devastating impact on the business’ stock and trade.

Ken had hoped work outside would be cleared by the Friday market days, however, it is unlikely that repairs will be completed by then.

Ken added: “We managed to get some funds back in, but it’s not replaced it all- just enough to get us by this weekend.

“One of the staff went down with covid about four weeks ago on a weekend so we lost two trading days there, so just as we were getting back on our feet after the pandemic, the electricity went.

“It’s been a very stressful two years for sure - very up and down.”

Marg Punshon, Ken’s wife, added: “It went from bad to worse”

Ken and his wife Marg

Despite managing to reopen, Ken explained how the trade has been slow for the business.

The café owner also mentioned how they wish to support customers during the cost of living crisis.

He said: “We try to keep a lid on prices as people can’t afford it anymore so we’re trying to keep it down as much as possible. We're very much a community cafe." 

Safety barriers are still placed outside, however, the café entrance is still accessible.