Ellie calling time on the Wonky Teapot for a ‘better work-life balance’
THE owner of a Long Eaton cafe has announced it will be closing next month after an “amazing” four-anda-half years.
Ellie Spurr was just 19 when she opened the Wonky Teapot but the long hours and financial burden has taken its toll. The talented baker has served hundreds of delicious cakes since opening in November 2019 as well as breakfasts and lunches in the pastel-pink floral surroundings in Station Street.
Revealing the news in a Facebook post Ellie said: “I know people will say are you crazy, you are busy every weekend and all your events sell out but unfortunately that does not pay the bills and I can’t continue on. With the increase in overheads I physically can’t afford to carry on.
“Since opening The Wonky Teapot it has been the best experience I have ever had and I have met some amazing people along the way.”
Ellie went on to say when she was given the opportunity she had no experience of running a business or managing staff and had nothing to lose. “I didn’t have a mortgage, a car, a partner and my cute little doggie,” she said.
“I dedicated every part of my life to this shop and have worked so incredibly hard to make it what it is today, including sacrificing my relationship and health, working seven days a week for months and months on end without a day off unfortunately can’t continue.
“That means me having a better work-life balance and not sitting at night at the table replying to hundreds of messages, comments, phone calls, organising events, making menus and everything else that goes into running a small business. If you are in the industry you will understand it never stops.”
The Wonky Teapot’s last day will be Sunday April 28. Ellie thanked her regulars, her friends and family for supporting her dream come true She hopes to carry on as a baker, supplying cafes across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and selling at local markets.
She will also be kept busy as the social media and events manager for a chain of country pubs. “They will get a little bit of wonky magic put into all of them and it is now time for me to focus on the next bigger chapter there, she said.