A BELOVED restaurant, popular with celebrities like Tinie Tempah, will close its doors for good with immediate notice.
The eatery’s owners Natalie and Graham Haywood made the “heartbreaking decision” to shut up shop without warning, adding that it was “bleak times”.
The restaurant and tea room, LEAF, announced the closure of its West Kirby branch.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Natalie and Graham revealed that after years of battling relentless rising costs the time had come to say goodbye.
The closure was described as “incredibly difficult and heart-breaking.”
LEAF, which first opened on Bold Street in 2010, had become a staple in the local hospitality scene, celebrated for its cosy atmosphere and exceptional tea offerings.
The siblings expanded to Smithdown Road in 2019, and in 2020, opened the West Kirby site, just months before the country was plunged into lockdown.
However, despite their best efforts to keep the business afloat, including hosting weekly food markets during the pandemic they faced insurmountable pressures.
In a lengthy Instagram post, the Harwoods revealed how they had fought through difficult times, but the ongoing financial strain had left them no choice but to close.
They wrote: “Confidence, profit margins and reserves have all been eroded.
“There is only so much of these costs that can be passed on to the consumer or swallowed by ourselves, until the business becomes unsustainable.”
They also acknowledged the huge impact of inflation, wage increases, and an uncertain economy, which had made the future of the hospitality industry “bleaker than ever.”
The closure, though devastating, was an inevitable consequence of these overwhelming challenges.
They added: “We are extremely grateful for all the support and friendships we have made.
“We’ve had some of the best times of our careers here, especially meeting so many supportive customers at the lockdown food markets. We will miss you dearly.”
The news has hit hard, especially among loyal customers who regularly visited for their brunch fix or to enjoy the laid-back, welcoming vibe.
Many took to the comments to express their sadness, with one saying: “Absolutely gutted, you’ll be so missed! Thank you for always making us feel so welcome.”
Another posted: “Gutted! One of our favourite spots for brunch—huge loss for the area.”
The closure has sparked an outpouring of support from local businesses as well, with The Farmers Arms in Frankby offering their condolences.
LEAF’s celebrity clientele, including Liverpool FC’s Daniel Sturridge and rapper Tinie Tempah, have also helped elevate the tea room to iconic status.
The two friends were spotted enjoying tea and toast at LEAF’s Bold Street location ahead of Tempah’s appearance at the ECHO arena.
For the Haywoods, it all began with a trip to Ikea, as they sought to bring quality tea and a European-style café experience to Liverpool.
In 2007, they opened the first LEAF at the Static Gallery on Roscoe Lane, a small venue that quickly grew in popularity.
From there, the siblings expanded, eventually moving to Parliament Street and then to the current location on Bold Street.
Their success in Liverpool allowed them to branch out to Smithdown Road and West Kirby.
Despite their struggles in recent years, the Haywoods remain proud of the legacy they created.
They fondly remember the sense of community they’ve created and the many milestones along the way.
They said: “It’s been one hell of a ride opening 10 days before the country went into lockdown, surviving by hosting weekly food markets, and emerging from the pandemic with unexpected debts,”
“We’ve fought hard since we opened our doors, but the time has come to say goodbye.”
With the doors to their West Kirby location now closed for good, the Haywoods express their heartfelt gratitude to the customers who supported them through thick and thin.
It’s been a tough year for hospitality with a number of chain restaurants disappearing from the high street.
Rising bills, increasing labour costs and high guest expectations have all made it a tough environment for restaurants.
Many Food and drink chains have been affected as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
Here are the restaurants that have been lost from the high street in 2024
Greens
Simon Rimmer’s vegetarian restaurant business Greens was in operation for 33 years before its two sites were forced to close this year.
Sunday Brunch star Simon’s first Greens restaurant opened its doors in Didsbury, Manchester in 1990, with a second opening in nearby Sale in 2022.
In September, the Sale restaurant also closed, marking the end of Simon’s chain.
Karen’s Diner
Britain’s “rudest restaurant” Karen’s Diner closed all its UK sites this year after its parent company, Viral Ventures UK, reportedly racked up more than £400,000 worth of debt.
Ibérica
Casual restaurant chain Ibérica, created by Michelin-starred chef Nacho Manzano closed three sites after it fell into administration.
TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays closed 35 sites after collapsing into administration in September.
Hungry Cow
Family-run burger chain Hungry Cow closed two sites with “immediate effect” in November.
Papa Johns
Family favourite pizza chain Papa Johns closed 43 UK sites in May.
Wildwood and Dim T
Tasty, the owner of the Wildwood and Dim T brands, announced plans to close 18 branches in April.
The group planned to reduce its estate to around 30 UK sites by the end of 2024.
Wetherspoon
Pub giant JD Wetherspoon has closed 26 of its pubs for good since July 2023, and in October said five more were at risk.
At the time Wetherspoon said a further five pubs had been put up for sale, four of which were under offer.
Whitbread
Earlier this year Premier Inn operator Whitbread announced plans to close 200 of its pubs and restaurants.
Gusto
Italian chain Gusto closed its Didsbury restaurant this year “following an approach from a well-known high street retailer”.
The closure left the group with 13 restaurants across the UK.
Haché
Restaurants closed were in Balham, Camden, Chelsea and Kingston, while a fifth in Holborn continued to trade.
D&D
Restaurant group D&D closed Leeds restaurant Angelica & Crafthouse.
The group had closed another Leeds site, East 59th, in 2023.
