Family-run cafe announces closure due to coronavirus
OWNERS of Hinckley café Petite Chouette have announced that the eatery will not be reopening as lockdown lifts.
The café, in Regent Street in the town, launched in February 2018, with the aim of offering authentic, high quality, homemade food in a warm, friendly environment.
It was opened by Paul and Ali Lancaster, who have a love of French food and culture, and said at the time that they were realising their dream by opening Petite Chouette - which translates as Little Owl.
However, due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the town centre café will remain closed.
There is some positive news, though, as the Petite Chouette online shop will continue to operate, and there is hope that new premises may be found for the café in the future.
The owners said: “It is with great sadness that we have announce that due to the financial impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had upon our business we have had to make the decision to vacate our current premises.
“However, we are still very much in business. We are carrying on with our online shop until such a time when we can be fully operational again.
“We have followed government guidelines closely and the little owl would not be able to operate within the required social distancing guidelines.
“Although we write with sadness, we are also excited to see what will happen in the future when we can welcome everyone back ‘Ali style’ with huge hugs and kisses and lots of conversation.
“When such a time comes, we have many ideas to move the business on when it is safe to do so.”