A family-owned cafe and sandwich bar has announced they are shutting up shop due to the rising cost of living.

Dot’s Place, a popular eatery, located on York Road, Hartlepool, announced that the rising cost of living, including ‘ingredients, packaging and utilities’ has made the business unviable.

Serving up a menu of traditional British cuisine, including everything from slow roasted lamb on Sundays, to curry, and custard slices, Dot’s had become a mainstay of the community since it opened in 2017, building up a community of more than 2000 on Facebook.

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The Venue’s owner, Dot Parker, announced the business’s closure. Dot said: “It is with great sadness and the heaviest of hearts that I am no longer trading.

"I would like to thank all my customers, old and new, for the amazing support over the years. However, the cost of ingredients, packaging and utilities have risen so much that I cannot sustain the business.

“I would also like to thank my amazing family and staff who feel like a family. I finally had a dream team and I am so sad that they no longer have a job.

"It has been an absolute privilege to work with you all. It’s been one hell of a ride.

"Thanks to everyone who has been there for my little cafe and me, you are all going to be sorely missed.”

Since the cafe’s closure was announced, there has been an outpouring of love for Dot and her cafe, with residents saying she “will be missed”, and always provided “service with a smile”.

Anita Wilson left a heartfelt message, saying: “You have all been amazing - you have all supported charity events and your customers alike.

“[Dot’s Place] wasn’t just a cafe, you were a lifeline to some who had difficulty cooking, or those who went in for a chat as they were a tad lonely.

"Your cherry crumble, chicken curry, corned beef pie, Yorkshire puddings and homemade cakes were legendary.”

The cafe has been a force for good within the community - in early August, Dot and cafe employees shaved their heads for charity, raising £670 for Mind and Dementia Services, helping to provide support for some of their most loyal customers.

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