‘Absolutely gutted’: York city centre shop announces it has closed for good

Another York shop has fallen victim to the havoc wrought by coronavirus.

Appleton’s Butchers announced this evening (Monday) that its shop on Lendal was closed for good.

In a statement, the traditional pork butchers said: “After a difficult year we have made the sad decision to permanently close our York shop.

“A huge thank you to all our loyal customers over the last five years, you will be missed.”

Appleton’s also runs shops in Ripon, Wetherby, Boroughbridge and Knaresborough.

One member of staff at the York shop will be transferred to Ripon.

‘You will be missed’

Appleton’s first opened in York in October 2016. It became the first new traditional butcher in the city walls since Scotts closed its Low Petergate shop eight years earlier.

The business can trace its origins back to 1867 when the first Ripon shop opened.

Appleton’s are best-known for their handmade pork pies, which are even beloved by Prince Charles.

The York shop reopened after the first lockdown in June. In October it closed temporarily after staff had to self-isolate.

But after shutting up shop for the latest full lockdown, the owners said it would not be opening its doors again.

Customers were dismayed. “No way, absolutely gutted,” said one – “best sausage rolls in York.”

Another said: “This is not news we needed. Sorry to hear this, you will be missed!”