'Best' sandwich shop closes after 51 years and fans cry for 'end of an era'
THE 'best' sandwich shop is closing its doors after 51 years of serving customers.
The owner called it “the best part” of her life as rising costs forced the business to close.
The takeaway spot in Harrogate has been proudly selling sandwiches since 1972.
The Bread Bin on Skipton Road was a bustling little shop where people queued for hours to sample its famous sandwiches.
It was a huge shock to locals when the busy store announced it would be closing forever in February.
The exact date has not yet been confirmed, but the owner revealed that “rising costs” contributed to the demise of the small business.
Jude Gray, the current owner, took over the family store in the 1990s.
She said: 'It's clear the sector is simply not in good shape.
“Overheads are mental, and the price of gas and electricity has gone crazy.
“And my mother, who still works in the store, just turned 73. We just knew it was the right time, combined with the rising costs.”
The shop is loved by many for its hot and cold sandwiches, but also sells jacket potatoes, drinks and sweet treats.
Jude added that Brexit and its effect on suppliers have played a role in the store's financial struggles.
She said: “I know it won't get better. What was once a £5 product has risen to around £16.
“I think we will be one of many in this situation.”
Regulars were saddened to hear the news of the store's closure, with many calling it “the best sandwich shop.”
They have taken to the comments online en masse to express how much they will “miss” the Bread Bin.
One person wrote: “There must be a lot of hungry workers here. It's always so busy. How sad for everyone involved.”
Another person added: This is so sad news. Jude & Lesley are so lovely and have used us for all their printing for many years.
“The knock-on effect of the closure of these great small businesses is huge; all their suppliers, including us, have also lost a lovely, loyal customer.
“The cost of running a small business these days is enormous. Big loss for Harrogate.”
A third person said: “If a place this busy can't stay open then that just shows how messed up it is this country is.
“Such a shame. I was turned away a while ago because they were so busy it would take over an hour.”
Many flocked in to praise the store's “great customer service” and “best butties” in town.
With a rich history in the area, some locals had fond memories of the place.
Many of them told how they worked in the store in their youth or stopped by for a snack on the way to school.
“It's quite an unusual place and we have such a loyal customer base.
“Because it's been around so long, we have people who came as children and are now bringing their children and even grandchildren,” Jude added.
One person even revealed that working at the Bread Bin as a child inspired her to open her own van later in life.
She wrote: “I worked there for eight years from the age of 13.
“I now have my own sandwich van (Miss Piglets)
“If it wasn't for Lesley Smith I wouldn't have done it.
“Really sad times.”
After an outpouring of support from the loyal fan base, the moved owner took to Facebook to share what the store meant to her.
Jude wrote: “It has been the best part of my life. I enjoyed going to work every day and had a great time with all the customers and wonderful staff we worked with and made friends with.”
Which stores will close in February 2024?
LARGE stores and chains are closing dozens of branches this month, which is a blow to shoppers.
- Boots will close its branch in Clifton, York on February 17.
- Lidl has confirmed that its Thornaby store in Stockton-on-Tees will close on February 29.
- WHSmith will pull down the shutters of its store in Union Street, central Aberdeen, on February 17.
- Chain Reaction, an outdoor sports store, will pull down its shutters for the last time in February.
- Aldi on Halbeath Road, Dunfermline plans to close its doors on Sunday February 18 to allow for renovation work.
- Jack Wills is preparing to pull down the shutters of his branch in Worcester city center in February.
- Matalan in The Core Shopping Center on The Headrow closes on February 24.
- Age UK will close the doors of its Furniture and More store on Dereham's Yaxham Road for good in February.
This comes not long after another legendary store abruptly closed after just under 40 years, leaving fans devastated.
The Beigel Shop in London's Brick Lane suddenly closed its doors this week, leading many to speculate whether the store will reopen.
The iconic shop, famous for its salt beef bagels, pickles and mustard and 24/7 opening hours, has gained a cult following on TikTok in the past year.
Foodies travel far and wide to try the offerings and compare them with local competitors.
It claims to be one of the oldest in London, having opened as a family business in 1855 and moved to its current location in 1987.
Why are retailers closing their stores?
Retailers have been feeling the pressure since the pandemic, as shoppers cut back on spending due to the rising cost of living.
High energy costs and the move to online shopping after the pandemic are also taking their toll, with many high street stores struggling to continue.
The high street has seen a slew of closures in the past year and more are in the pipeline.
Sales volumes fell 3.2% in December, Office for National Statistics data showed, compared with a 1.4% increase a month earlier.
Recent figures from the Center for Retail Research show that more than 10,000 stores will close for the last time in 2023, and almost 120,000 jobs will be lost across the sector.
That said, the numbers are lower than in recent years, with more than 150,000 retail jobs lost in 2022.