A HIDDEN gem Isle of Wight cafe has closed its doors for the final time, its owner has announced.

The Retreat Cafe on Scarrots Lane in Newport permanently closed on August 6, after two and a half years serving customers.

Its owner purchased the cafe at the beginning of 2020, enjoying two months of good business before the global pandemic dealt a huge blow to all those in the hospitality industry.

Combined with a flood, burglary and illness, the cafe has seen its share of issues.

Now, with the cost-of-living crisis and an impending recession, the stress is too much, and the decision has been made to walk away and focus on family, says the owner.

The owner said: “Firstly, I would like to thank my wonderful, talented, professional staff, past and present, for all your hard work and determination in delivering top-class food, customer service and support. I couldn’t have done any of it without you!

“Secondly, thank you to all our lovely regulars, many of which have become friends.

“Thirdly, thank you to all our suppliers and the tradespeople that have kept us stocked up and ticking over.

“And finally, thank you to everyone who supported us over the last two and a half years.”