Former customers of a Tilehurst pottery café have expressed their disappointment following the announcement that it would be closing.
The Mad Hatters Pottery Café, located on School Road, opened in 2015, and has been a bustling staple business among the community over the last 10 years.
The business was the first pottery painting cafe in Berkshire, offering a separate cafe area from the pottery studio.
Visiters found painting their own pottery is a great way to relax, have fun and explore your creative side.
The owner, Fiona Stevens, made the difficult decision to close the shop after going into liquidation this month.
This follows an eventful decade where Miss Stevens and an excellent team of dedicated staff members put their heart and soul into running the popular business.
Readers commented on the sad news, with many remembering times throughout the years that they spend there.
Judith Toner said: "Very sad to see these small independent businesses closing.
"I really liked meeting friends there."
Debbie Roby said: "We had many fun times there, didn't we?"
Others reminisced about the joyous times spent at the café.
With the closure of this beloved spot, some residents are already suggesting what should replace the café, with one suggesting a new Chinese or Thai restaurant to serve the Tilehurst community.
The closure also brings about practical concerns for some.
Customers who are yet to pick up their pottery from the store can collect it from the Arborfield branch, located at Henry Street Garden Centre RG2 9JY.
These will be available for collection after May 14, with a one-month window for collection ending on June 6, 2025.
Ms Stevens expressed hope that her customers will continue to visit Mad Hatters Pottery at the Arborfield location, where she will be based for the foreseeable future.
The closing of The Mad Hatters Pottery Café is indicative of the challenges faced by independent businesses in the current economic climate, with some fearing more closures of cafés, beauty spots, and gyms across the area.
