Moments Café in Ipswich Town Hall to close its doors

Moments Coffee Shop was opened by St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich Town Hall in March last year. 

However, last Saturday, the charity decided to cease service at the café - stating the decision was made with its economic interests at heart. 

The charity said this decision was made with their economic interests at heart. (Image: Tom Cann)

Clare Chater, director of income generation at Ipswich-based St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “We are sad to announce the closure of Moments Town Hall Coffee Shop in Ipswich.

"This decision has not been taken lightly, however, it has been made with the best economic interests of the charity.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to the staff, dedicated volunteers and customers, who supported the coffee shop.”

Moments Coffee Shop will continue to be operational in Stowmarket and Heath Road. (Image: St Elizabeth Hospice)

The café opened in the town hall following the success of its two previous stores in Stowmarket and Heath Road in Ipswich, which the charity says will remain open. 

Work to move in to the historic building had begun in July 2022, and St Elizabeth Hospice hoped the coffee shop would provide an avenue for them to fundraise for the 4,000 patients it supports.

The café was run by some permanent staff and a group of volunteers for the charity, into a space previously occupied by their Big Hoot office.

The cafe offered customers paninis, coffees and cakes. (Image: Tom Cann)

At Moments, customers were offered freshly made paninis, coffees and cakes, and could also buy postcards, stationary and other memorabilia to help support the charity.

At the time the move was announced, Ipswich Central's then-chief executive Sophie Alexander-Parker "welcomed" the cafe and called it a brilliant move for the town.