Popular church-run café in Harborough town centre is being forced to close by the Covid-19 crisis after 30 years

A popular church-run café in Market Harborough town centre is being forced to close by the Covid-19 crisis after 30 years.

The New Horizons Café in Manor Walk has been operated by the town’s Baptist Church since 1990 – and served thousands of loyal customers over three decades.

But the Rev Christopher Brown, the church’s pastor, said: “After 30 years of serving the community as part of Market Harborough Baptist Church it is with great sadness that the New Horizons Cafe will be closing.

“Regrettably, due to Covid-19 we can no longer sustain the cafe in its current form and the difficult decision to close permanently has been taken.”

He added: “As a church family, we want to express our deep and sincere gratitude to all our committed staff, volunteers and customers both past and present, who have made this such a warm and welcoming place for so many people over the years.

“The cafe has touched the lives of many people and will be sorely missed.”

The Rev Brown said they are now aiming to use the building in other ways.

“As a church family which loves our community, we are already exploring ways in which we can use this space to serve the community in new, helpful and meaningful ways, and that shares the love of God for you all.

“You all remain in our prayers at this time.

“I would like to emphasize that this is not the end.

“We are already planning to use the space to bless our community in the near future.”