Surprise closure of 'thriving' Rushden Lakes ice cream shop leaves small business owners frustrated
Bosses at Camper Cones have been left ‘frustrated’ as the business has had to close after its lease at Rushden Lakes shopping complex was not renewed.
The ice cream stand, which has been in operation for seven years, closed yesterday (September 29).
In a post on the company’s Facebook page Paul Hunt, owner of Camper Cones, said: “Being local, we are extremely proud to have successfully traded in such a beautiful location and are frustrated to find ourselves in the unusual position of having to close a successful, thriving business.
“We would like to thank all of our amazing customers for their support, many of whom we can now call friends. “We would especially like to thank our amazing team who have worked so hard. We are really proud of you all.”
Camper Cones occupied a space in Rushden Lakes’ food court alongside the likes of The Stop Gap, Vaarista, The Spud Shack and Greek Street Food. It has also had a presence at events such as Rushden’s Party in the Park, and has found a stable home in the town since 2017. Bosses were told the lease wouldn’t be renewed last month.
Rushden Lakes introduced a Ben and Jerrys pop-up outlet in the central boulevard, just yards from Camper Cones, in June, which Paul claims will be open year-round. The locally-owned Camper Cones only operates during the warmer months between April and September, as it sits on the same site as where the complex’ Christmas tree stands every year.
Commenters have been quick to offer their condolences at the closure, which Mr Hunt called ‘humbling.’
He added: “It was lovely to read them all, we know the support we’ve got.
“I do think it’s a massive loss for the lakes because people would come from quite a long way away just for an ice cream.”
A spokesperson for The Crown Estate, owner of Rushden Lakes, said: “We would like to extend our thanks to the Camper Cones team for their contribution to Rushden Lakes, and to all our visitors who have enjoyed their presence here. Camper Cones has been a valued part of the offering here, and we are sad to see them go.
The Crown Estate remains committed to providing a diverse selection of food, drink, and retail options at Rushden Lakes, and we work actively to improve the visitor experience.
"We wish the Camper Cones team all the best in their future endeavours.”