Another favourite goes from Northampton town centre as Caffe Nero closes after 15 years

Another favourite name has disappeared from Northampton's town centre after Caffe Nero suddenly shut its doors last week.

The popular coffee chain occupied a prime site on the corner of Abington Street and Dychurch Lane for 15 years.

But signs appeared on the door telling sad customers the shop "had to close due to circumstances beyond our control."

And by Tuesday this week all signage, fixtures and fittings had been removed.

The message from the Caffe Nero Northampton team said: "Sadly after 15 years, this Caffe Nero has had to close due to circumstances beyond our control.

"We have loved being here and would like to thank you for being a wonderful customer — it has always been a privilege to serve you."

Our repeated attempts to contact Caffe Nero to find out reasons behind the closure were unsuccessful.

Fashion chain Accessorize and rent-to-own chain Bright House both hit financial trouble earlier this year and did not reopen in Northampton after the Covid-19 lockdown.

Caffe Nero had not been in the business news although rivals Costa Coffee yesterday revealed up to 1,650 baristas' jobs could be at risk as it is forced to cut costs because of the impact of coronavirus.

Parent company Whitbread ë which also owns Premier Inn, Beefeater and Brewers Fayre — says there are still "high levels of uncertainty" as to when trade will regain pre-pandemic volumes.

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