A SHOP selling cheeses and craft beer in Reading has announced its sudden closure on Wednesday, October 25.
The Grumpy Goat in Smelly Alley (Union Street), central Reading, has announced it is to close after being in the business in some form for a decade.
The shop itself has been selling artisanal and speciality cheeses, including in its grilled cheese sandwich offerings, alongside craft beers, cider, and wine from Reading and across the country.
It has also hosted a number of events, including celebrating International Women’s Day and holding Dry January 5k running events.
However owners posted to social media on Wednesday, October 25, to say that the shop was closing “sooner than we would like.”
The Grumpy Goat is now set to cease trading and close up shop at the end of the week, which has been attributed to the landlord of the premises.
They explained that they were also given just one week’s notice, leaving them “in shock,” but were grateful to customers and visitors during their time trading.
A final farewell event is set to take place with their Hallowe’en party at the venue on Saturday, October 28.
The post to Instagram reads: “All good things must come to an end, but sometimes sooner than we would like.
“It is with our saddest of hearts that we must tell you that the goat’s journey has come to an end. This will be our last week of trading, culminating in a blow-out Halloween/farewell party on Saturday night.
It explains: “It wasn’t COVID that killed us, it wasn’t the fire at the end of the alley, but our landlord; swiftly and brutally (with a week’s notice).
“We are eternally grateful for the support and love you have shown us over the last 10 years. You have all been there through the many highs – and the curveball lows – and we will cherish the times we have spent together.”
They added: “We feel we have so much more to say, but for now we are in shock and lost for words.
“We would like to say a massive thank you to our little Goat team, our family.
“We will do everything we can to support them on their onward journey– if you want to show your final support, we’d love to see as many of your faces as possible this week.”
The post saw a number of residents and fellow businesses lamenting the closure, with one saying: “Very sorry to be losing a queer safe space in Reading– you will be missed, but I hope this is not the end.”
The Grumpy Goat has been contacted for comment.
Full details, including access to their online shop, are available via: TheGrumpyGoat.co.uk
