The past week has been horrible for a beautiful cathedral city, as two long-standing businesses shut up shop in the same week. St Albans, a prosperous area within the London commuter belt, has come a long way since its origins as the Roman settlement of Verulamium, a key area in Roman Britain.
Along its cobbled streets are an array of independent shops, however, it appears that even this ancient city is not immune to the problems facing many high streets across the country. Within the last couple of days, St Albans residents have seen an independent bakery and butchers pull down their shutters for good – severely affecting the shopping habits of many. Earlier this week a popular high street food chain, owned by a Great British Bake Off star, announced the closure of all of its shops.
The Pudding Stop, run by former contestant Johnny Shepherd, has shut down all of its stores across Hertfordshire.
After 14 years of business, The Pudding Stop announced it has shut all of his shops “with a heavy heart”. Brainchild of Mr Shepherd the bakery operated locations in St Albans, Harpenden, Radlett and Redbourn. In a statement the popular store said they had “worked tirelessly to keep The Pudding Stop going” but ultimately their efforts failed.
In a statement posted to Facebook, the bakery said: “It’s no secret that the past few years have brought significant challenges, and throughout that time, we’ve worked tirelessly to keep The Pudding Stop going.”
“It is with a heavy heart that we have made the difficult decision to close the business,” the post added.
This sad news came just days after family butchers Lawes & Sons stopped trading on September 27 after 20 years.
Located on Cathedral Street the butchers was renowned for selling quality meat.
Signage in the shop window read: “We are sad to announce we are closing our doors with the last trading day on Saturday, September 27.
“Thank you for your support over the years. We will miss you.”
In the aftermath of their closure St Albans MP Daisy Cooper took to Facebook voicing concerns about how much the high street is struggling.
She also called for the “jobs tax to be scrapped and for the broken business rates system to be overhauled” adding that it is “vital that the govenment acts now”.
Her full comment read: “So incredibly sad that two fantastic St Albans businesses – The Pudding Stop and Lawes & Sons butchers – have had to close their doors.
“They will be a loss to our community and our city centre.
“The Pudding Stop are appealing for anyone currently recruiting for roles like bakers, front of house staff or baristas to reach out to them at johnny@thepuddingstop.com to be put in contact with some of their fantastic staff, who are now sadly looking for new employment.
“These closures are yet another indicator of how much high street businesses – in St Albans and nationwide – are struggling at the moment.
“Whether it’s higher food and energy costs, reduced footfall, or the government’s growth-crushing jobs tax, businesses are under immense pressure.
“We Lib Dems have been warning the government about this for months and months”.
“We are calling for the jobs tax to be scrapped, for the broken business rates system to be overhauled and for energy costs to be driven down now.
“It is absolutely vital that the government acts without any further delay, before any more brilliant businesses and livelihoods are lost.”
