Inverness city centre cafe’s shock closure sparks outpouring of messages of support from Highland customers
Fans of an Inverness city centre café and deli have been left saddened following its sudden closure.
Culture Café, which is located on Chapel Street next to the junction with Friar’s Lane, had been shut for annual leave but was set to reopen on April 16.
However, in a post via the cafe’s social pages last night, the owner made the sad announcement that it would not now be reopening its doors - citing the hard winter, rising costs and “harsh economic climate”.
Taking to Facebook last night, Culture Cafe’s Ella said “we simply couldn’t come back from it”.
And she has issued a heartfelt plea to the city’s residents to make sure to support local cafes and businesses, as many are “not thriving” right now.
“Please please support local cafés and businesses. Looks can be so deceiving, most businesses are not thriving and many are struggling on levels you just can’t see.”
Posting on Facebook, she said: “Friends, I don’t know how to even begin to write this post. How do you write a goodbye for something that was never just a business?
“This café was my heart on a plate. My soul in a salad. My love letter to plants, the animals, and our community. And now, it’s time to let go. I am sorry to say that Culture Cafe will not be reopening.
“I’ve wrestled with this for months. Tried every scenario to keep going. But I’ve been burning out quietly for a long time now. Despite my best intentions, the café became something I just couldn’t carry anymore. My body has lived in fight or flight for far too long now & I don’t want to wait until it’s too late to stop and recalibrate.
“Running a small business alone is a quiet kind of storm. It costs so much more than money. You sacrifice rest, your health, clarity, relationships, sanity. This has been by far, my most challenging chapter. People form opinions, judge you, there are financial pressures no one can see or understand if they’ve not been there themselves, the weight of the world on your shoulders every single day & you’re stretched so thin that even breathing feels like a luxury.
“But there is beauty, too. The people. You.
“You who brought your babies (some that didn’t exist when we opened!) , sent postcards, sat at the window every Saturday, who told us our food changed your life. You who came back week after week, who brought friends & family, who let us feed you through breakups, birthdays, pregnancies & grief. You who made us part of your lives. To the customers who became friends—you all made it worth it. You held us (me) up. And you’ll never know just how much that meant to me.
“To the beautiful team who came & went—you each brought something to the space that made it what it was. Thank you. I’m sorry for letting you down when I have.
“This winter just hit us too hard. With rising costs and a harsh economic climate, we simply couldn’t come back from it. So, this is where our wee chapter ends.
“Thank you just doesn’t feel like enough.
“Please know that I’ll carry you all with me, always.
“To the local business community around us - you welcomed us with open arms and showed us what it felt like to belong. That sense of support and camaraderie was something we hadn’t experienced before, and it meant more than you know.
“A few last notes, there’s a fully equipped, ready-to-go café. If you’ve been dreaming of your own thing, please reach out.
“And lastly, if I can ask one thing, please please support local cafés and businesses. Looks can be so deceiving, most businesses are not thriving and many are struggling on levels you just can’t see - so please remember they can only exist if you support them.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“With so much love & gratitude, Ella.”
The news that the café has closed sparked a flood of reaction online - with her customers voicing their deep sadness that the business had not been able to continue.
Among those heartfelt messages, Hannah Sutherland, said: “Ella my heart breaks for you! This beautiful little enterprise was such a haven and you gave it absolutely everything you had. You really couldn't have done more. It will be a great loss but there have been so many beautiful moments in that café for so many people. Xxx.”
Carol Dunse added: “So unbelievably sad to read this. You were a little oasis and I loved each visit. Please take care and hope the world turns in a more positive direction for you.”
And Mya Chemonges-Murzynowska said: “Awwww Ella, words simply can't explain what reading this post has felt like. As someone who felt at home surrounded by the most amazing flavours, I feel gutted, however I can't begin to imagine how difficult this decision and the lead up to it, must have been like for you.
“This wasn't just a café, for many people, it was a safe space. Thank you for creating a space where people could escape the harsh realities of life, even when it meant that you couldn't personally escape those realities. You are such a beautiful soul and your team is an extension of that.
“I'll never forget the first time you made me chai masala, I was transported to my grandma and my mums kitchen. That is a moment that I cherish. As you begin the next chapter of your amazing journey, I'm sending you the sun and the moon to brighten any dark days. Keep being amazing. Lots of love Mya.”
