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A popular street food bistro and bar in Sutton has become the latest victim of the cost of living crisis.

Cravings, on Outram Street, suddenly closed its doors for the last time this week, citing “constantly increasing running costs and declining trade” as the reasons for the shock decision.

Joint owners, husband-and-wife team Simon and Stacey King, issued a statement on Facebook, which said: “We’ve been left with no other choice.

"We have put everything into Cravings, but it’s not the right time. Things are going to get harder for all pubs and everyone in the hospitality trade.

The popular Cravings street food bistro and bar on Outram Street, Sutton, which closed down this week.

"If Wetherspoons are shutting 32 pubs, a little independent like us has no chance in the current economic climate.”

Cravings opened initially in March 2021 as a takeaway, but then upgraded to a restaurant four months later. Its menu of breakfasts, a wide variety of burgers and fries, stone-baked pizzas and desserts was a big hit with customers.

But the business has been feeling the pinch in recent months as the country’s economic crisis tightened its grip on the finances of local people.

Simon and Stacey added: “We would like to thank our very loyal customers for helping us to fulfil our dream, no matter how shortlived it was.

Stacey and Simon King, the joint owners of Cravings, who have thanked all their customers and staff.

"Also, thanks to our amazing team of staff, past and present. Without their dedication and tireless efforts, we wouldn’t have the impact we did on Outram Street.”

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Simon and Stacey stressed that those who have bookings with Cravings, or unused gift vouchers, will all be refunded.

They revealed they plan to open “a little cob shop” soon that “will do Cravings’ most popular dishes as one-off specials”.

“It’s been the most stressful, but rewarding, 15 months of our lives, and the closure breaks our hearts,” they said.

A measure of the reputation that Cravings quickly gained came when the business was nominated as a contender for the best place to eat/drink accolade in the Chad Business Excellence Awards.

Cravings customers reacted with sadness to the bistro’s closure, with more than 400 people posting comments of sympathy on Facebook in response to the announcement.

One post read: “I can’t believe it’s come to this.” Another person posted: “Absolutely gutted. The best food place in Sutton.”

Shock closure of popular bistro and bar in Sutton as cost of living crisis bites