Whitehaven's Rum Story café announces closure after 14-month struggle

Jason Roper, who runs the café in the museum, announced via social media last week that the café will close on February 29.

The Rum Story café reopened in January 2023 after two years of being closed. Jason said: "I can honestly say the last 14 months have been the hardest and most stressful in my life, we as a team have tried everything to bring footfall into the café."

The lack of footfall in town, and rising prices of supplies has led to the decision to close the café, he said, as it was 'unsustainable' to continue to try and keep prices within the café low whilst dealing with rising costs in every other aspect. 

The news that the café would close has renewed appeals to increase the customer activity in Whitehaven. In the statement, Jason said: "Please remember the high street cafes can’t survive without your help - please support the amazing cafes in your local town.

The Rum Story Cafe (Image: The Rum Story Cafe)

"Thank you all for all your amazing support. If you have enjoyed your visit to the café previously please come and support us as we head into our final month.

"I wish all the other businesses in Whitehaven the best of luck for the future."

The Rum Story said: "All of us at The Rum Story visitor attraction and Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners will miss the café team.

"It's hard for many small businesses at the moment and we're really sad that another one is closing in Whitehaven. It's a reminder for us all to keep supporting local traders and suppliers as much as possible.

"We will be discussing options for use of the space in the weeks to come and will update customers as soon as we know more. In the meantime, we hope everyone will give the café team their full support during their final month of trading."