The owner of a popular Cheshire café says rising energy prices have forced him to call it a day - closing down his business to manage a Crewe pub.

Minshull's Country Kitchen on Welles Street, Sandbach is closing this Friday (August 19) – eight years after opening.

Business owner, Paul Minshull, says he can't take the chance of continuing in business with the hike in energy prices.

Mr Minshull is now taking up a job at the White Lion, Warmingham Road, as restaurant manager.

Paul Minshull is taking up a job as restaurant manager at The White Lion, Warmingham Road (The White Lion).

The 30-year-old went to Sandbach School and has been a chef and cook all his life.

He started his passion of making food from an early age.

Mr Minshull told Nub News: "Energy prices are going up and up and I just can't afford to carry on. It's taking its toll on my health and I need a fresh start.

"I refuse to put prices up to make customers pay. It just isn't fair. My electricity is going up from around £450/£500 a month to £900 in October.

"In January it would go up again to maybe £1,500 and I just can't afford it. I expect more businesses will face the same issue.

Paul Minshull says he would rather have happy memories of his business (Nub News).

"I want to leave the business on a good note and remember the good times.

"It's a sad decision but I just can't carry on. We've had two lockdowns and I can see a recession coming. It's hard for businesses.

"I will miss my customers and my staff but it's a decision I have sadly had to make."

The new Crewe restaurant manager's family remember him cooking, enjoying to prepare food and follow recipes as a child.

The White Lion has a beer garden and a sports-themed bar with a pool table, darts board and big flash screen TV (The White Lion).

He admits he will be sad to see business go, but looks forward to a new challenge.

Mr Minshull added: "We'll be putting up balloons and making it a good week. It's like one big family and Friday will be a very emotional day for me."

Minshull's Country Kitchen has built up a good reputation in the town and Paul's customers say they will miss the café.

Mr Minshull will be managing a pub has that recently refurbished its lounge area.

The White Lion, Warmingham Road, is open from noon everyday. It serves food daily (The White Lion).

The White Lion has a sports-themed bar with a pool table, darts board and big flash screen TV.

It is open from noon Monday to Sunday. The pub serves food daily.

READ MORE: New cheese shop and bistro to open at Crewe town centre venue.

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