The Strawberry Barn: Beloved venue and cafe in Dunbar closing doors due to cost of living crisis

A popular cafe and venue in East Lothian has announced it will be closing its doors. The Strawberry Barn at Thistly Cross near Dunbar posted a message on its website and social media informing customers it is now ‘untenable’ to stay open.

The message said: “The cumulative effects of the pandemic, Brexit, the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis have been too much for the business to bear and continuing to operate in these conditions has become untenable. This was a devastating decision to have to make, but at this point we have been left with no other option.

"The external factors make it no easier to bear and no less heartbreaking that things have come to this point, and we are so grateful to both the staff and customers who have stuck with us and offered their loyalty, support and understanding over the last 3 years.”

They added that anybody who will be directly affected by the closure will be contacted by the group by email, saying “we greatly appreciate your understanding while we do our absolute best to address everyone’s queries and concerns.” The Strawberry Barn operates as a cafe, a deli, selling local produce from the surrounding area, and a venue which hosts events including weddings.

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