Hillier’s Yard coffee shop The Cosy Bean is to close in three weeks

Debbie and Andy Wilson opened the Cosy Bean lounge and coffee shop in Hillier’s Yard in August 2013: “It’s been very, very good – we’ve lived our dream – we don’t regret anything.”  But now they are closing the Cosy Bean’s doors for the last time at 5.00pm on Sunday, April 3 – in the words of their notice on the door – “with great sadness”.

As Andy tells Marlborough News Online, there has been no fall off in the footfall – they get custom from people walking up to the High Street from the car parks, but just as much custom from people walking along the High Street who see their A-board.

And their decision has nothing to do with the competition for coffee drinkers either in Hillier’s Yard or along the High Street – business is busier than ever.

“We have,” he says, “such good regular customers – they’re so loyal.”  And that makes closing down just that bit harder for Debbie, Andy and their staff.

Andy cites ‘additional financial constraints’ as the reason they are closing. They are coming to the end of their lease and know that over the coming two years their overhead costs are going to rise significantly.

They have been employing six staff – all part-time except for Andy himself.  In April the first round of the National Living Wage comes into force – with second round due in October.

In 2017 they, like all small businesses, have to start providing pension schemes for their staff.

“It’s tough out here,” says Andy.  In the current economic climate the difference between profit and loss is a slim one.

Sad as closing is, Andy can still smile about what is happening: “We just want to make the most of the last three weeks of the Cosy Bean – and thank all our customers for their support, we will miss their great company and friendly banter.”