Pet friendly, plant-based café and bar, Wags n Tales, has closed both its branches, in Surbiton and Twickenham.
On their Facebook page the owners said “the cost of living, the energy crisis (1000% rise in both locations!), staffing shortages and all-round increased costs” were major factors in their decision to shut their doors.
Former KU student, Poppy Fox said: “Being a student and also having a young pet proves a hard task when you’re trying to study. When I found Wags n Tales I was able to bring my cat to a study session and feel like both of our needs were being met. The staff played a huge part in creating a welcoming and inclusive space.”
Fox added: “It’s the first ever café I’ve seen that has been so well catered to both peoples and animals, it was a safe, cosy, clean environment that will be dearly missed.”
According to the Office for National Statistics, electricity prices in the UK increased by 65.4% and gas prices rose by 128.9% in 2022, which has made owning a small business more financially challenging than ever before.
The end of free movement after Brexit has exacerbated staff shortages in the hospitality sector.
A joint survey by UK Hospitality revealed that the highest shortages are for front of house roles followed by kitchen porters and assistant managers.
Former Wags n Tales employee, Edward Jemes, commented under the closure post: “I’m very sorry to hear this. I truly had a great time working there, had fun times and met amazing people! All the best wishes for the future.”
Meanwhile Kingston residents are fighting to reopen The Cricketers pub on Fairfield South that was forced to close in 2019.
Kingston and Surbiton residents need to continue to show their support to local cafes, restaurants and bars during these unprecedented times to give them the best chance possible of staying on the high street.
Amelia Jones 
Hermione Marszalek