A much-loved café in Bradford city centre is set to close its doors, despite attempts to save its future.
Bread + Roses - run by a cooperative of local businesses, food producers, arts groups and charities - opened on North Parade in August 2018.
It has faced a challenging battle to remain open amid the cost of living crisis, lockdowns and funding issues.
Bread + Roses was saved from closure in June thanks to a crowdfunder raising almost £30,000.
But, in an announcement, the team said Bread + Roses “unfortunately cannot continue sustainably”.
It will close on November 18, 2022.
In a statement on Twitter, a spokesperson for Bread + Roses said: “With a heavy heart, we are announcing the closure of Bread + Roses on the 18.11.22.
"This year we ran a successful crowdfunder that raised close to £30,000 and it was thought this would be enough to see us through to the new year.
“B+R has always thrived on grant funding and earlier this year it was apparent that this was unsustainable. Combine this with the current economic circumstances and increased costs, we have had to come to the point where B+R unfortunately cannot continue sustainably.
“It's a sad moment for all involved but we’d like to say a huge thank you to all who have supported us over the past four years. Our mission has been to promote and encourage diversity in our wonderful community and we hope that we’ve managed to provide space for people to do this.
“We’re so thankful to everyone who has supported us. From our loyal customers, all who generously donated to our crowdfunder, the organisations that have continually supported our services and partnered with us on many projects.
“Finally we’d like to recognise the incredible hard work from all our staff over the years. We will be taking a rest for now, whilst taking some time to rest and reflect on our successes.
“In the time we have left, we'd love to celebrate all that our community has achieved. We’ll be doing this in several ways in the coming weeks and would love for you to join us in doing so. More details TBC. With love + solidarity The Bread + Roses Team.”
In 2018, the Bread + Roses project was made possible with loan investment from Key Fund’s Northern Impact Fund, The Cooperative Loan Fund, and a grant through Bradford Council’s City Centre Growth Zone scheme.
The former Forks Cafe was transformed into a home for co-working, vegan and vegetarian food, and a popular community space.
In June, the business announced it had lost all its revenue during lockdown and forecasted a budget deficit despite significant savings.
It followed a string of unsuccessful funding applications.
The business had hoped to use money from the crowdfunder to safeguard the jobs of three full-time and seven part-time employees.
This would allow the business to make it through to the New Year and apply for further funding.
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