Winchester Patisserie Valerie emptied weeks on from shock closure

Patisserie Valerie, in Winchester High Street, is now completely bare inside, three weeks on from its closure.

A removal van was there on the evening of Tuesday, January 23 while a group of people stripped the business of its equipment and furnishings.

The café chain closed its Winchester branch on New Year’s Day, just months after it was refurbished. A spokesperson from the company said it was due to the business going through a restructuring.

READ MORE: Patisserie Valerie Winchester closed as part of restructuring plans

Removal van outside Patisserie Valerie (Image: Newsquest)

They said: “There are many factors that impacted our decision to close stores.  The hygiene rating in Winchester wasn't a factor.  Most relate to the long-term viability of the store to make a profitable return and in the case of Winchester this wasn't deemed possible, even after the refurbishment.

"The retail food landscape is dynamic and ever-changing.  Our brand, product and service continue to thrive both on the high street and online. In order to ensure that this remains so in the future, we have made the decision to undertake this restructure now, to put the focus and resources of the business where we see the potential for continued, profitable growth. 

“We have created strong templates for growth in our refurbished patisseries and the opening of our flagship store in Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, in 2023.

Patisserie Valerie being emptied (Image: Newsquest)

SEE ALSO: Sweet store to take over former second-hand fashion shop

"Alongside this, a large and growing customer base enjoy our handmade patisserie, celebration cakes and afternoon tea at home through our online platform and the curated range available in our retail partner, Sainsbury's.  All of this is made possible by continued investment in our original bakery in Birmingham, which remains the cornerstone of our multi-channel handmade patisserie offer.”

The Winchester café was renovated in July and received a one-out-of-five food hygiene rating following an inspection in November.

For many years the building was used by the Blue Dolphin fish and chip business.

For people in Winchester, the nearest Patisserie Valerie is now either in Basingstoke or Portsmouth or its products are available at Sainsbury's.