A town centre café has been forced to close its doors, one of the ‘hardest things’ its owner has ever had to do.

Hendover Café in Dorchester has served its last coffee after closing its doors.

The independant café drew its name from a piece of ancient woodland set in the heart of Dorset - Hendover Coppice, near Batcombe.

It is close to the spot where Tess, from the Thomas Hardy novel, is said to have promised not to tempt Hugh d’Urberville again on the Cross-In-Hand.

In an emotional social media post, its owner Paul Collins, apologised to and thanked customers after having to take the tough decision to cease trading.

He said: “I am very sorry to have to tell you all this way but it is no longer viable for the café to continue trading.

“I would just like to say thank you to all of you for your company and your loyalty over the years and I am sorry that I will no longer be able to be rude to you anymore.”

Dorset Echo: A note appeared on the cafe's door on Friday March 1 revealing it was closedA note appeared on the cafe's door on Friday March 1 revealing it was closed (Image: Supplied)

The news came as a shock to both customers and staff, who were unaware of the businesses imminent closure, as the owner wished to protect them from facing a ‘barrage of questions’.

Paul added:  “Apologise to everyone for not being able to speak to you all beforehand but I wanted to protect my poor staff who were all completely shocked and upset and I did not want them to have to face a barrage of questions.”

Dorchester has suffered a blow in terms of town centre businesses closing their doors in recent times – the most recent being Neil Yard’s Remedies – after ten years of trading in the town.

Other long-standing shops and businesses including Clinton's Cards, M&Co. and Ambience have all shut their doors since 2022 as well.

In Paul’s statement posted to social media he has encouraged people to keep supporting local and independent businesses which are struggling in the current climate of high costs.

He continued: “This has been by far the hardest thing I have ever done and my good wishes go out to all the other independent traders in the town who are still surviving these difficult times, please support them where you can.

 “Thank you and goodbye Paul.”