End of an era as Huddersfield institution Merrie England announces closure after 60 years serving the town
It’s the end of an era as an icon of the Huddersfield high street has announced its closure.
Coffee shop business Merrie England, founded in 1966, is to shut down.
The company, set up by Keith and Anita Hanselman, had a drive through at Oakes and three coffee shops in Huddersfield town centre and others in Brighouse and Halifax.
The Hanselman family sold Merrie England to new owners, led by businessman Gary Conway, in July 2024 and the new company pledged to grow the iconic brand beyond Huddersfield and Calderdale.
At the time of the takeover the business employed 84 staff.
Merrie England was renowned for its ‘olde worlde’ charm and traditional favourites on the menu including hot beef sandwiches, toasted teacakes, egg custard and apple pie.
Generations of Huddersfield people grew up with visits to Merrie England. It was such a part of the fabric of the town that Poet Laureate Simon Armitage famously wrote a poem addressed to the “women of Merrie England coffee shops” referring to staff in their “scarlet aprons.”
A statement on the Merrie England website says: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision, reached after facing a sustained increase in the cost of goods, business rates, energy costs and the wider rising costs associated with staffing and government policy.
“Alongside these pressures, we have also seen a reduction in footfall and customer spending, with many people understandably unable or unwilling to pay the prices that businesses now need to charge in order to survive.
“After 60 years of serving our customers, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us over the decades.
“Your loyalty, kindness and custom have meant so much to us, and we are truly grateful to have been part of the community for so long.
“We wish all our customers, friends, staff and suppliers the very best for the future. Thank you once again for being part of our journey.”
On Facebook, the company appealed for kindness at a difficult time and said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of Merrie England.
“After 60 years this has been an incredibly difficult decision and our thoughts are especially with the teams across our seven shops who have lost their jobs.
“We know people may have strong feelings but we kindly ask that comments are kept respectful.
“There are real people, families, staff, customers and suppliers affected by the news.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported Merrie England over the years. Your loyalty and kindness have meant so much.”
READ MORE: Another big change in Huddersfield town centre as a second major bank relocates to the Kingsgate Centre. Read the story HERE.
