Caneat, a family-run cafe on Pershore Road in Stirchley, closed its doors for good in June 2026 after nine years of operation. The announcement, made by owners Dominic and Victoria Clarke earlier this week, has sparked an outpouring of sadness from loyal customers and renewed calls for government policy changes to support the struggling hospitality sector.
Final Days and Customer Reaction
The cafe's last trading days were Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27, 2026. Customers flooded social media with messages of support and grief, many urging local councillors and MPs to reduce business rates and lower VAT to help independents survive. Owen de Visser wrote on Facebook: "So gutted to hear CanEat is closing... This is a devastating loss for Stirchley! There needs to be an urgent shift in policy change to save the hospitality sector, before we lose even more icons."
Pressures on Hospitality Businesses
Industry bodies argue that heavy tax burdens—specifically high VAT rates and National Insurance hikes—alongside restrictive visa rules and business rates, are the primary policies harming hospitality businesses. Neil Napier commented simply: "10% Vat needed," while Safyaan Adila said: "Need to pressure our local councillors and MPs to bring business rates down in our city so independents can flourish."
Owners' Statement
In a statement, Dominic and Victoria Clarke wrote: "We can't believe we are writing this, but we are having to close our doors. Since June 2017 we have tried our best to be the most creative, welcoming and family friendly space that we could be." They described the cafe as an extension of their lounge and said: "Hospitality is a horrific way to try and make a living at the moment and our model is just not one that continue any longer."
Impact on the Community
Caneat was known for its seven-minute eggs and banana bread, and had earned praise from locals, critics, and even Michelin Star chefs. The couple reflected on hosting various pop-ups and events, including plant shops, wine nights, and weddings. They added: "We will miss serving our community more than you can ever imagine."
Calls to Save Birmingham's Independents
Hanna Morrall echoed the sentiment: "Really really sad... why is it becoming so so hard for independent businesses?" Marianne Campbell noted: "It's a bad sign when somewhere that always seems busy can't make it work." Customers are spreading the word to support independents and call for policy changes before more iconic venues disappear.
