Popular Pudsey café Alternatively Vegan announces closure

Alternatively Vegan - based in Pudsey - is a popular family business by Leeds resident Angi Haist which opened its doors less than 12 months ago.

However, due to financial difficulties in recent months, the café was at risk of closure.

A fundraiser was launched on GoFundMe to raise enough money to keep the doors of the café open. Angi’s son Jack Winstantley - who volunteers in the café - started at Huddersfield University in September 2015.

However, two weeks later Jack suffered with mental health issues and Angi brought him home and he left the university.

By March 2017, Jack’s mental health deteriorated to the point that he tried to take his own life.

Jack survived, however after coming out of a coma he was left with a hypoxic brain injury and now struggles with mobility, speech and memory.

Angi left her job with Leeds City Council last year to open Alternatively Vegan.

During this incredibly difficult time Angi and Jack continued to work hard to make the business a success.

However, Angi announced today (September 2) that the café will now be forced to close after operating at a loss.

Lockdown left the business in a position where Angi was 'no longer able to continue trading'.

In a post on the business Facebook page, Angi said: "It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce that as of today Alternatively Vegan will no longer be trading.

"My team and I have worked tirelessly over the last two years to build the AV brand and make sure that all of our customers have had good quality food in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

"Unfortunately since lockdown we have been running at a loss and this has now left me in a position where I am no longer able to continue trading.

"I would like to thank my wonderful team for all of their hard work even under such difficult circumstances recently.

"I would also like to thank our wonderful customers and followers who have kept us going up to this point.

"As you can imagine I am beyond devastated and will be taking some time now to spend with my loved ones whilst I process things further.

"Much love to you all Angi and the AV Team".

Many Pudsey residents left messages of support on the post.

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Thank you

Laura Collins

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Help is available:

Samaritans: Phone 116 123, 24 hours a day, or email [email protected], in confidence