A Cliftonville coffee shop that was named the most innovative in the UK just last month will close its doors next week.
Skinny Dip coffee shop in Northdown Road won the accolade in the Brita Professional inaugural Grounds of Innovation Awards.
But sadly the venue, which has just marked its third anniversary, will trade for the last time on January 1.
The venue was opened by Tom Denning and partner Amy Leaning amid the second covid lockdown in winter 2020 and has supported isle artists by providing display space and worked with an nearby care home to give work experience to a young man with disabilities.
It is also the only shop in the UK to buy coffee solely from female farmers and producers, helping to readdress the gender imbalance in the global coffee supply chain.
But trading conditions have been tough this winter. Previously speaking to The Isle of Thanet News after winning the award, Tom said the business was navigating a difficult trading period with the focus on getting through to the Spring.
The dad-of-three added: “The future is uncertain for everybody with high street rent increases and declining customer spend.
“Summer is our strongest trading period, the challenge is what has happened since October – we are in recession but nobody talks about it.”
Skinny Dip coffee shop has not suffered rent increases but has experienced the drop in customer spending power.
In a social media post today (December 30) Tom said: “The time has come for Skinny Dip to close its doors. The last few months have been extremely challenging and as a small independent business, it is proving impossible to continue.
“I just want to say thank you to our amazing team who have tried so bloody hard to make it work – I’ll always be grateful – Thanet hospitality, please employ them!
“Thank you also to our fabulous customers who have been with us on this three year journey. Each and every one of you made it possible for us to enjoy the ride we had.
“Our last trading day will be January 1st 2024.
“We need to sell all our existing stock so there will be big discounts on all the retail. So come at us for one last Bodega! This is it! We are sad to say goodbye.”
Tom learnt his trade working for some six years at Margate’s Curve Coffee after leaving behind his former career in advertising.
He and Amy employ six staff in the off peak winter season with more people taken on to cope in the busy summer months.
Find Skinny Dip coffee at 235 Northdown Rd, Cliftonville; on facebook or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/skinnydipcoffee/
