The Blitz 1940s Tea Rooms in Ipswich, Suffolk to close

The Blitz 1940s Tea Rooms in St Peter's Street has announced it will close, despite the business performing well and proving successful over the time it has been open.

Due to rising bills, the cost of living crisis has meant that the tea room cannot remain open, the owners have said.

Adam Gray and Clive Driver have been operating on the street for the past three years, serving a variety of drinks, cakes and scones.

Mr Gray said: "It's gut-wrenching.

The Tea Room has a 1940's theme, but it will be closing next month. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

"This was our dream to do this, and we've gone through a lot to get here, and that's what's really frustrating.

"It's been taken really well, and we have really lovely customers who come in lots, but unfortunately, over the last 12 months, and particularly with the cost of living crisis, it has hit us really hard.

"Winter time, a power bill for us, a small premises, can be £800, which is a lot of money to find.

"We tried turning all the lights off and doing things that could have helped reduce that cost, but it just wasn't enough.

The Blitz 1940's Tea Room will close September 16. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

"We both need to take a living from here as well, which we take very little from the business, but we have to take something to live, but it just becomes harder and harder."

The business has said it is closing on Saturday, September 16, and is encouraging all those that have vouchers for the tea rooms to spend them before that date.

Mr Gray added: "People need to come back into Ipswich and explore the town because it has some lovely buildings, and we need them to survive.

"People using small businesses is the only way that we can continue."

Other nearby eateries to close amid the cost of living crisis in the last year include K Bar and Grill and La Cueva.