A TOWN centre coffee shop has been forced to close due to financial difficulties, its manager has said.

Two Brothers, an independent coffee shop, opened up at the 'Globe' building on Ormskirk Street in August 2021, following the success of stores in Altrincham and Warrington.

With a focus on speciality coffee, their launch was a hit with coffee lovers although some residents questioned the opening of another coffee shop in the town centre.

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St Helens Star: Two Brothers opened on Ormskirk Street in August 2021Two Brothers opened on Ormskirk Street in August 2021 (Image: St Helens Star)

Despite these concerns, Two Brothers invested further in the town last year and opened a small cafe inside St Helens Book Stop on Bridge Street.

However, after just more than 12 months in the town centre, the Two Brothers team announced they were leaving the Ormskirk Street premises earlier this month.

They cited financial difficulties as the reason for closing, but will continue to maintain a presence in St Helens and remain inside the Book Stop.

St Helens Star: Two Brothers focus on speciality coffeeTwo Brothers focus on speciality coffee (Image: Two Brothers)

Sean Lyall, manager at Two Brothers, said: "We had to close the Ormskirk Street store because the business was hemorrhaging money and it wasn't sustainable.

"Our electricity bills were going up but the shop didn't seem to be what the people in St Helens wanted.

"Our regulars were disappointed but most of them have joined us at the Book Stop and we have been able to focus on this shop a lot more."

St Helens Star: The Ormskirk Street closed earlier this monthThe Ormskirk Street closed earlier this month (Image: Two Brothers)

Sean confirmed that Two Brothers will continue to build their speciality coffee brand in Altrincham, Warrington, and the Book Stop.

They will also plan future coffee-tasting events in their stores and pop-ups across the region.

St Helens Star: Two Brothers will remain inside St Helens Book StopTwo Brothers will remain inside St Helens Book Stop (Image: St Helens Star)