Mad Hatters on Kirkgate, Newark closes its doors for a third time
A quirky, themed tearoom has closed for a third time as the owner appeals to the town to “use us or lose us”.
Clare Fordham, the owner of Mad Hatters, has announced with ‘deep sadness and a heavy heart’ that the premises had closed down.
The business had already left its Appletongate location on September 28 last year before reopening at 39 Kirkgate on November 15; however it closed its doors less than two months later.
Clare also took over the Crafty Café at Fulbeck’s Craft Centre on November 7 — but it closed in February.
Mad Hatters reopened on Kirkgate, Newark, on February 14, but the business didn’t survive as the owner decided to close the space at the end of May.
Clare said in a social media post: “This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but after many sleepless nights and the town sadly in decline, I have been dealt no other choice.
“As the saying goes, use us or lose us, and unfortunately, that is what has happened.
“Shame it has had to come to this, but obviously, needs must, and I have to do what’s right for me and my family.
“It has been great, I have really enjoyed the last six years, a bit of a sad few times, but a lot is changing.
“A lot is changing in the town, a lot is changing my end, and it is just how the cookie crumbles, unfortunately.”
Following previous closures, Clare admitted that the business wasn’t profitable due to the costs of products, bills, and staffing in comparison to the lack of football within the town.
The tearoom first opened five months before Covid-19 hit, and despite having survived the pandemic struggles, the current economic and town centre struggles, the owner saw no other solution.
Clare added: “Therefore from myself and my team, thank you to everyone who supported us in our new location you are all very valued and loved but unfortunately is wasn't meant to be.,
“Once again thank you for allowing me to continue my journey for the last six years and I will be forever grateful to the wonderful people I have met, who turned into friends, along with all the wonderful memories made.”
