Silcox Coffee, a beloved coffee shop located in the heart of Bath, has announced it will close its doors after this weekend. The team behind the café cited soaring business rates and VAT as key reasons behind their difficult decision.
Sharing the news on Instagram Saturday, May 30, a Silcox Coffee representative expressed the heartbreak of the closure: “Unfortunately, sometimes businesses don’t survive, even when you try your best. Business rates are too high. VAT in the UK is too high. However, we’ve made memories and friends along the way, with many proud moments!”
The farewell message also included gratitude for the community’s support: “A massive thank you to everyone who supported us through these last two years. From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate each and every one of you. Please come in and say goodbye, as this is our final weekend trading!”
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Situated on New Street since opening in 2024, Silcox Coffee earned a strong reputation, boasting an impressive 4.4 out of 5 stars from 114 Google reviews. Customers expressed sadness at the news. One regular wrote, “My family loved coming regularly and getting our usual window seats, with our flat whites and that massive choco muffin! Really sorry to hear this and thanks for the memories.”
Another added, “This is so so sad. I always came here because it was pram and dog friendly, super spacious, had delicious food, and such friendly staff with a lovely atmosphere. I would always recommend everyone to pop in here.”
Despite the outpouring of support, some questioned whether business rates and VAT were solely to blame. A Reddit user commented, “While I’m sure those factors impacted them and it’s sad to see them close, I can’t agree it’s 100% due to the latest tax changes. Coffee shops have always had a high closure rate. Silcox was a bit pricier and didn’t stand out distinctly from other cafes in Bath.”
Silcox Coffee will remain open through this weekend, inviting patrons to stop by and bid them farewell.