Cafe owner in Swindon town centre 'imprisoned' as footfall drops

Marcus Kittridge, owner of the Commercial Road spot, has revealed that Covid, Brexit, energy bill increases, the cost of living and local decisions like the Fleming Way roadworks and parking hikes have left his business teetering on the precipice of financial ruin. 

He now says that what was once a legacy business he hoped to pass down to his children and grandchildren is now something that he is "imprisoned by" because of the constant battle to stay afloat.

Baristocats is hoping to avoid having to put the shutters down forever amid intense financial pressures (Image: Google Maps)

Instead, he plans to close the cafe, which has been open for eight years, when the two years left on its lease have elapsed and "go on holiday" - if the business can survive for that long. 

"December was shocking, the worst we've ever had, but January was better than last year," he explained. 

"We are not taking payment for ourselves and we are still finding ourselves in situations where we're not sure if we will be able to continue paying our rent or suppliers on time."

For Marcus, it is now a case of getting through a quarter at a time - which is when the next rent payment is due. 

"If we can survive a quarter we know we can at least keep going until the next one at least, but it depends on how far we can keep going."

Marcus Kittridge who runs Baristocrats and Seema Malhotra, Labour's shadow Business and consumers minister (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)Baristocats has already significantly reduced its operating hours to try and save on costs, as it no longer opens on weekends, and there is a sign as you enter saying it will be shut by 2pm because of the cost of living. 

"There have just been several knocks in a row," Marcus said, "Covid, energy price spikes, cost of living, Brexit, all of it has made everything more expensive and there are now supply chain issues."

A negative perception of the town centre, changing shopping habits, council parking changes and the Fleming Way closure were all also mentioned as contributing factors. 

"Before opening the shop I did a headcount on footfall in the street, I did another one recently and it has more than halved," Marcus said. 

"We are lucky because we have a very supportive and loyal customer base, we are part of the community here. I was going to possibly hand this business down to my daughter or grandson, but I won't be doing that now, so it will just be lost."