Ramsbottom's famous Chocolate Cafe to close after 15 years

The renowned Chocolate Cafe in Ramsbottom near Bury has announced it will close after 15 years.

The devastating news will come as a bitter blow for residents and visitors to the picture-postcard town, home to an annual chocolate festival.

Owner, Philip Hargreaves, announced the news in a heartfelt social media post, saying the cost of living crisis was 'hitting us at both ends'. Goods and energy costs, he said, have increased by more than 40 per cent and 'in some cases doubled'.

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The cafe on Bolton Street, which first opened to acclaim and growing popularity in 2008, was a must for sweet-toothed visitors to Ramsbottom.

It featured everything from bars of chocolate with edible prints laid over the top, chocolate bars loaded with crunchy toppings, chocolate pizzas, boxes of truffles and flavoured chocolate buttons. It also sold 'flat-pack' Easter eggs, available in a range of prints and flavours.

The cafe said its website for orders would remain open until Wednesday next week and gift vouchers would be honoured until then.

The social media post in full read: "I've been avoiding writing this post, as it means the end and I've been unsure if I've had the strength.

"But with the heaviest of hearts and tears rolling in my eyes, we must announce we are closing. It's not news that hospitality is on the brink of collapse and despite every effort we just can't continue.

"The cost of living crisis is hitting us at both ends, our much-loved customers have less in their pockets and goods and energy have increased by 40 per cent, and in some cases doubled. It's just not sustainable.

"Our team have done some wonderful things and I'm so proud of what you have done