Shops and restaurants in Shakespeare’s town close their doors due to rising costs and declining visitor numbers.
Five restaurants closed since last summer, including The Body Shop and other stores. Caffe Vineria and Bella Italia also shut down. The town struggles to regain pre-Covid visitor numbers.
Massimo Bertoli closed Caffe Vineria because high costs after business rate changes hurt him. Finding workers also became difficult after Brexit, as many hospitality workers went back home.
Kevin Taylor is unhappy with Stratford’s problems. The town has Shakespeare and beautiful scenery, and he wonders why growth is slow, suggesting more support for businesses is needed.
Catherine Berry moved to Stratford three years ago. She misses her favorite restaurant, Edward Moon, and noticed a decline in the town. Fewer places to eat impact tourism.
Simon Platt visited Stratford from Preston with his wife. They were shocked by the town’s state as some businesses are closed or close early. His theatre tickets were also expensive.
Christopher Clements and his wife are stranded, waiting for boat repairs. They didn’t like the local restaurants and now buy food at the supermarket.
Christopher noticed many Turkish barber shops, but says most of them are empty. He thinks Stratford is declining and the town needs improvement right now.
Janet Howell has lived in Stratford for over twenty years. She thinks all towns are struggling, and it’s upsetting for a town with such heritage. Closures mean lost jobs for young people.
Aaron Corsi manages the Business Improvement District (BID). He will meet with business leaders, as the cost of living affects businesses and independent businesses are struggling.
The District Council addresses the retail problem. They blame government factors for issues and are working to improve empty shops. New counters will measure visitor numbers.