Merrie England: Business and assets for sale following shock closure after 60 years of trading
The business and assets of the Merrie England Coffee Shop Chain are for sale following the announcement of its closure after 60 years of trading.
The group – founded in 1966 – has closed all of its sites in Huddersfield, Halifax and Brighouse, as it said it faced a “sustained increase” in costs, including energy, business rates and staff wages.
This combined with fewer customers visiting its cafes and spending less, with the firm saying it had to increase prices to offset the costs hike.
A spokesman for BPI Asset Advisory said: “ Following Merrie England's announcement that it is closing after almost 60 years of trading, BPI Asset Advisory has been appointed to market the business and assets for sale. The RICS regulated team of surveyors and business advisors is now inviting expressions of interest in the West Yorkshire coffee shop chain.
“Founded in 1966, Merrie England became a familiar name across West Yorkshire, serving generations of customers with traditional favourites including teacakes, egg custards and homemade apple pie. The business operated seven leasehold coffee shops, including an in-house bakery, across Huddersfield, Halifax and Brighouse.”
The statement added: “The sale presents an opportunity to acquire an established regional café brand with a long trading history. The business and assets are available as a whole or as individual or multiple outlets and include the registered Merrie England trademark, together with modern café furnishings, catering equipment and bakery equipment across the estate.”
The business achieved a turnover of approximately £4.28 million between June 2024 and November 2025, having previously reported annual turnovers of £3.2 million for the year ending 2023 and £2.9 million for the year ending 2022. Prior to its closure, Merrie England had 53 employees across its seven locations.
Mark Hodgson from BPI Assets Advisory said: "It's always sad to see a long-established business reach this point, particularly one that has been part of the local community for so many years. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the closure, including the employees, customers and suppliers who have supported Merrie England over the decades.
“Our role now is to manage the sale of the business and its assets professionally and sensitively, while seeking the best possible outcome. We hope this opportunity will attract interest from buyers who recognise the value of an established regional brand and the quality of the business and its locations."
The deadline for offers is 12.00pm on Tuesday 11 August.