Historic Polly Tea Rooms Close After 114 Years

The Polly Tea Rooms, a historic independent business in Marlborough, Wiltshire, closed on November 9 after 114 years of operation. In notices posted in the shop windows, a spokesperson attributed the closure to an "impossible" business climate in the United Kingdom, specifically citing relentless tax rises, overhead costs, minimum wage increases, and a cost-of-living crisis that reduced customer spending.

Founded in 1912 by Jean Leith Hay and Janet McCloud, the establishment faced several recent setbacks. Former owner David Clarke MBE listed the property for sale last year for £460,000, and the business was the subject of a police investigation following a burglary on October 12.

The business also dealt with legal and regulatory challenges. In 2023, the tea rooms were ordered to pay £7,500 in compensation for racial discrimination. Additionally, the government named the business for failing to pay the legal minimum wage to three workers, though David Clarke MBE denied these allegations.