Ipswich sadness at closure of The Blitz 1940 Tea Rooms

The Blitz 1940s Tea Rooms, in St Peter's Street, has announced it is shutting its doors in the middle of next month due to soaring bills.

Adam Gray and Clive Driver have been in charge of the business for three years, but the cost of living crisis has meant the venue is no longer viable.

The news of the closure comes after K Bar and Grill and La Cueva, in adjoining St Nicholas Street, announced they were shutting earlier this year for similar reasons.

St Peter's Street and St Nicholas Street have become known as somewhat of a 'foodie' destination in recent years due to the presence of a range of restaurants and cafés.

Adam Gray and Clive Driver, owners of The Blitz 1940s Tea Rooms (Image: Tom Cann)

John Cook, Ipswich borough councillor for the Alexandra Ward, which includes the town centre, expressed his sadness at The Blitz' closure.

However, he believes the Saints streets are still an attractive destination for shoppers and diners in Ipswich – highlighting the continued success of several long-standing businesses in the area.

Mr Cook also revealed plans for a new store in St Peter's Street are in the works.

John Cook, Ipswich borough councillor (Image: Charlotte Bond)

He said: "The Saints is a successful retail and hospitality area and there are lots of good businesses down there. 

"These are difficult times for the hospitality sector as they are not as protected from the price rises. The cost of everything is going up – it's a huge problem.

"As each of us is coping with the cost of living crisis, we're all trying to be a bit more careful. 

"With most of us feeling the squeeze at the moment, and with people coming to the end of their fixed-term mortgages, we are all trying to do things differently and people are being more careful with their money. It's a tough time at the moment.

"We are sorry to see The Blitz go."