Much-loved mid-Louth deli to close its doors this Christmas

A much-loved carvery and bakery in mid-Louth, The Mill, has announced it will close its doors this Christmas.

In a statement shared this week on Facebook, the owners of The Mill Castlebellingham confirmed that the business will cease trading from January, with the final day of service scheduled for 24th December.

The decision, they said, was not taken lightly. Despite sustained efforts to keep the business afloat, rising operating costs have made it financially unviable to continue.

“Over the past number of years, the running costs of operating the business have increased dramatically,” the statement read. “Rising food and supplier costs, VAT, pensions, utilities and overall overheads have reached a point where, despite our best efforts, the business is no longer financially viable.”

The owners said every possible option had been explored to avoid closure, but ultimately the figures no longer added up.

Tribute was also paid to the café’s staff, described as "a group of extremely hardworking, dedicated girls who brought warmth, care and professionalism every single day. We are so grateful for their commitment and the pride they took in their work."

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The owners also expressed heartfelt thanks to the loyal customer base that supported the business throughout its journey.

“To our loyal customers, thank you. Your continued support, friendly faces, kind words and custom over the years have meant more to us than we can ever express. The sense of community you helped create is something we will always cherish.

“This is not goodbye without sadness, but it is goodbye with deep gratitude,” the statement concluded. “Thank you for being part of The Mill Castlebellingham’s journey.”