Little Pickle at the Mill, a river café on the grounds of Walford Mill Arts and Crafts Centre, has been closed since Tuesday January 27, after recent flooding made it not possible for the site to open.
Karen and Andrew (Image: Submitted)
Karen Merryweather and her husband Andrew Spong have owned the business for the last three years, but have never had to close due to flooding.
Karen said: “The river has got high but it has never stopped us from opening.
“It’s the first time and it doesn’t seem to be letting up.”
Karen and Andrew have been posting updates on their social media, informing regular customers and members of the public about the flood situation and when they plan to reopen.
(Image: Submitted)
On January 30, the pair took to social media to say that the water levels were the highest they had been in 30 years.
Karen described the location of their business as ‘serene’ and ‘beautiful’, adding that they’ve ‘pinched themselves’ for the last three years.
She said: “It’s so serene and beautiful, we have pinched ourselves for the last three years.
“It’s such a hidden gem.”
The café is located in Walford Mill Centre, a site that offers arts and crafts workshops to the public, as well as clubs for children.
The craft centre has also had to close as a whole, due to the amount of flooding in the area.
Karen said: “It’s a real community hub. These are like lifelines to people.
“This makes you realise what a part of the community it is.”
As they’ve been shut for a while, the café, as well as others in the craft centre, are asking members of the public to help in any way they can.
Karen said: “Please support us in any way you can.”
Whether it’s leaving a good review online, buying gift vouchers for when they reopen or subscribing to their newsletter, Karen said that it will all help to support the site’s businesses.
Karen added that people have been ‘brilliant’ with checking in with them, offering help wherever they can.
The pair are reminding the public to keep an eye on their socials for updates with their reopening.