Cost-of-living crisis forces Bon Sucree cake shop to close

Bon Sucree on All Saints' Road has shut up shop for the last time with the cost of living crisis to blame.

Rising costs have created huge challenges, says the shop’s owner Ben Thatcher.

A Facebook post announcing the closure read: “It's with great sadness that I have to announce that I am closing Bon Sucree.

“I have had to make this decision due to rising costs which have made the business unsustainable.

“I would like to thank you all for supporting me over the last 12 years.”

The spinach cake at Bon Sucree (Image: Newsquest)

With a contemporary and rustic style, Bon Sucree opened on May 14 of this year.

Mr Thatcher, from Worcester, said he enjoyed cooking from a young age and had self-taught himself everything he knew about baking.

Not afraid of experimenting with different flavours, one of Mr Thatcher’s signature dishes was a cake made of spinach.

READ MORE: 'I feel sorry for chefs working in this heat' says popular baker

Bon Sucree had to close over the summer due to the extreme heat, and was forced to close several times throughout September due to missed deliveries and to allow for the installation of new equipment.

News of the shop’s permanent closure has been met with sorrow by its customers, with dozens taking to social media to show their support.

Caroline Wickham, owner of No.13 Emporium, knows all too well the issues that Bon Sucree will have faced, with her business having ceased trading earlier this month.

She said: “Oh Ben I am so sorry you have had to make this decision. I know it was hard to make.

“Your cakes were amazing, and I am sorry I was not able to support you more in the last couple of months.

“It’s just not good for many small businesses which is such a shame. Good luck in whatever you decide to do next and thank you for supporting us too.”

A selection of the cakes from Bon Sucree (Image: Newsquest)

Another well-wisher, Dee Bruce, said: “So sad to hear this Ben. The world is a crazy place at the moment.

“Thank you for your amazing delights and hope we see you return somehow in the near future.”

Fellow Worcester resident Clive Llewellyn added: “I’m really sorry to hear your sad news but realise how difficult things must be for you and other small businesses.

“Thank you for your delights over the years and specifically the wonderful chocolate cake you made for my mum’s birthday.”