‘Sorry – The Attic will be closed tomorrow’: staff ‘told at 5pm’ of popular cafe’s closure

A popular town centre cafe managed by the owner of a cinema has suddenly closed.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Oct 2014, 17:29 BST
Picture of the Attic Cafe from www.homeandcolonial.co.uk and the sign announcing its closurePicture of the Attic Cafe from www.homeandcolonial.co.uk and the sign announcing its closure
Picture of the Attic Cafe from www.homeandcolonial.co.uk and the sign announcing its closure

The Attic Cafe – which is based above Home & Colonial antiques shop in Berkhamsted High Street – is popular with diners because of its wonderful top-floor views.

But now manager James Hannaway, who owns The Rex, has closed the seven-day cafe.

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A Home & Colonial sign posted near its entrance says: “We are very sorry to inform you of the unexpected closure of the Attic Cafe.

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Picture of the Attic Cafe from www.homeandcolonial.co.uk PNL-140110-132542001Picture of the Attic Cafe from www.homeandcolonial.co.uk PNL-140110-132542001
Picture of the Attic Cafe from www.homeandcolonial.co.uk PNL-140110-132542001

“For the past two years the Attic Cafe has been managed by Mr James Hannaway. At 5pm yesterday (Monday) he informed us and the cafe staff of his decision to close the cafe with immediate effect.

“The cafe is an integral part of Home & Colonial and we deeply regret any inconvenience this closure causes you.

“With such short notice we are not in a position to keep the cafe running, but we will endeavour to quickly find a replacement.

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“In the meantime we hope you will understand our difficulty and accept our apologies for any disappointment this abrupt closure may have caused you.”

Sign announcing the closure of the Attic Cafe PNL-140110-132422001Sign announcing the closure of the Attic Cafe PNL-140110-132422001
Sign announcing the closure of the Attic Cafe PNL-140110-132422001

This website emailed Mr Hannaway, who is planning to open a new cinema called The Odyssey in St Albans, a list of questions about the closure.

A statement issued through a ‘spokesperson for these matters’ said: “We will be writing to Home & Colonial and the Attic staff. Until such time there will be no further statement.

“This has nothing to do with any other business.”

A short message posted on the Facebook page of The Attic Cafe on Monday simply said: “Sorry The Attic will be closed tomorrow .... Tuesday 30 September .... X”