The owner of a popular Sandbach café says rising energy prices have forced him to make the tough decision to call it a day.

Minshull's Country Kitchen in Welles Street is closed on Friday (August 19th) – eight years after opening.

Paul Minshull says he can't take the chance of continuing in business with the hike in energy prices.

Paul says he would rather have happy memories of his business

Now Paul is shutting up shop on Friday (August 19th) and taking up a job at the White Lion pub in Warmingham Road, Crewe as restaurant manager.

"Energy prices are going up and up and I just can't afford to carry on. It's taking its toll on my health and I need a fresh start," says Paul.

"I refuse to put prices up to make customers pay. It just isn't fair. My electricity is going up from around £450/£500 a month to £900 in October.

"In January it would go up again to maybe £1,500 and I just can't afford it. I expect more businesses will face the same issue.

"I want to leave the business on a good note and remember the good times.

"It's a sad decision but I just can't carry on. We've had two lock downs and I can see a recession coming. It's hard for businesses.

"I will miss my customers and my staff but it's a decision I have sadly had to make."

Paul, 30, who went to Sandbach School, has been a chef and cook all his life, starting his love of making food from an early age.

As a child, his family remember him cooking and enjoying making food and following recipes.

"We'll be putting up balloons and making it a good week. It's like one big family and Friday will be a very emotional day for me," added Paul. 

Minshull's Country Kitchen has built up a good reputation in the town and Paul's customers say they will miss the café.

Regular, Jane Stubbs from Sandbach Heath, says she is very sad about the decision but understands.

"Paul was amazing in lock down, doing take aways which we could call in and collect.

"His coffee is amazing and I will really miss that."

Another customer, Chris Thorniley also from Sandbach Heath said: "My husband, Stephen, loves the breakfasts here.

"We will miss Minshull's but Paul has to live. "