A CAFÉ and gift shop has been forced to say goodbye to its hundreds of loyal customers due to overwhelming costs amid the economic crisis.

More of the Good Stuff, at Worting House, closed its doors for the final time on Saturday, May 27.

The eight-year-old business moved from Dummer Farm to the grounds in Church Lane 16 days before the pandemic and has since been hit by a string of debts.

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Founder and owner, Sah Newman, 64, said: “We moved to Worting House because its glorious there. But after I spent money on renovations we had the lockdowns, the really hot summer, road closures which meant no one could get to us and then the cost-of-living crisis. I just couldn’t catch myself back up.

“The decision has been two weeks coming. I’m absolutely heartbroken. I’ve already had 200 to 300 emails from customers sending their support, saying how much we’ll be missed and that we had the best coronation chicken.

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“It was really uplifting to have so many warm comments. Eight years has been a really good blast but circumstances mean I just couldn’t do it. I will probably dissolve into tears tomorrow. The rest of the team is as devastated as I am.

Basingstoke Gazette: More of the Good Stuff team

“It was a hell of a ride for eight years and we had tremendous fun. The staff were one of a kind with such an amazing sense of humour. I’d like to thank all my wonderful customers and all the staff from over the years for joining me on this incredible adventure.”

Alongside the café, Sash has always offered outside and events catering which she will be continuing but under a new business name.

The More of the Good Stuff founder hopes the rest of her colleagues will be able to move on to other jobs.

Worting House has been contacted for a comment.