Beloved independent business BeanBlock café in Newark’s Saint Marks Place now permanently closed

A beloved and award-winning independent business has now permanently closed its doors.

BeanBlock, a popular café in Newark’s Saint Marks Place, has closed, blaming ‘unsustainable’ running costs.

One of the business directors Cate Martin announced the news on social media, which has now received an outpouring of support.

In a statement released by the business, they said: “This closure is heartbreakingly, unexpectedly but unavoidably sudden, due to ongoing unsustainable costs of running an independent business in the current economic climate we find ourselves in.

“We thank you for your support and understanding at what is an incredibly difficult time for our BeanBlock families.”

The cafe was founded in 2020 by Cate alongside fellow mum Aliki Allen, with the aim of creating a safe and welcoming hub for parents, carers and children to relax, play, eat, and drink.

Over the past four years Beanblock has grown a community of loyal supporters, hosting free regular events and workshops, and giving young families a space to meet and gather.

The sad news comes only a month after the café picked up the Customer Care award at the 2024 Newark Business Awards, adding to a 2021 win for Best Social Enterprise.