A POPULAR pizzeria in Coventry has closed, with its owners blaming the city council’s relocation of food kiosks and ‘extortionate’ rent.
Millie’s Kitchen, which according to reviewers on Tripadvisor is the ‘best Italian restaurant’ in Coventry, announced its closure on Wednesday (March 11).
In January, the council made all food vans on Market Way move to Hertford Place as it started redevelopment of the Upper Precinct.
A pizza served at Millie’s Kitchen. Via Facebook.
Millie’s Kitchen posted on social media to say: “With great sadness Millie’s Kitchen has closed its door for the last time, the third of the outdoor food kiosks to leave since relocation in January.
“The desolate, unfinished and imposed new location was the nail in the coffin. We have been struggling for quite some time and in the end, the extortionate rent, the struggle to get good reliable staff and the lack of support throughout the relocation finally did it.
“We shall not be part of the redevelopment of the city and probably never were.
“May someone look after this city as it’s falling on its knees. I would like to thank everyone that has supported and followed Millie and her kitchen.
“You kept us going for as long as we did. Much love, great food and wonderful stories were shared. Precious memories. A page is turned and while I walk away I never turned my back. Take care all of you out there!”
Council and BID respond
Responding to the kiosk’s statement, Councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for regeneration and Trish Willetts, director of the business improvement district, said in a statement: “We are sorry to hear that Millie’s Kitchen has closed. It’s always disappointing when a business closes.
“High streets and city centres up and down the country are struggling, however Coventry’s footfall figures have been positive and often bucking the national trend.
“We are working hard to redevelop our city centre, to create a stronger future for all traders and to encourage new investment.
“The food traders have had lots of support from the council and the BID including reduced rents, promotion about the new location, provision of a security radio and opportunities for them to be incorporated into future BID events.
“The traders are now located right next to the newly opened pathway where Nationwide once stood alongside Broadgate, and only a short walk from their previous location.
“We will continue to work hard to support all traders as we continue the transformation of the city centre.”
