Inverness café owner praises community’s ‘overwhelming messages of ‘love and support’ following closure of Highland capital eatery Culture Café & Deli
The owner of a café which closed its doors for the last time earlier this month has paid tribute to the "overwhelming love and support" they have received since the sad news.
Culture Café & Deli, which was located in Chapel Street next to the junction with Friar’s Lane, unexpectedly closed its doors on April 16.
The café had been shut for annual leave at the time and was due to reopen on that day, but an update posted on the cafe's Facebook page on April 16 confirmed the sad news that the doors would instead be staying shut permanently.
Culture Cafe’s Ella cited the hard winter, rising costs and “harsh economic climate” as the reasons for the eatery’s unfortunate demise, adding that “we simply couldn’t come back from it”.
The announcement sparked a flood of messages of support from saddened customers, who were quick to praise the café and share how much it and its friendly atmosphere had meant to them.
That flood of sympathy and support has now sparked a moving follow-up message of thanks from Ella at the Culture Café.
Taking to its socials earlier this week, she told her customers: "Just a quick note to say the biggest, deepest thank you…
"The love and support I’ve received since sharing the news about the café has been completely overwhelming — in the most heart-breaking-open, beautiful way. Between Facebook, Instagram, and emails, there are over 200 messages, comments, and notes of kindness… and I’m slowly making my way through them all.
"I might not be able to respond to every single one right away, but I will do my best, but I just wanted to say please know that I feel all the love and support, and I’m so grateful. It is a bittersweet transition this, but they really have helped so much.
"As a friend reminded me of something once said: 'Don’t be sad that it’s ending — be glad that it happened.'
"That’s what I’m trying to hold onto right now. I will do my best to respond in the upcoming days/weeks. Thank you for being part of this beautiful chapter.
"So much love, Ella."
