An acclaimed B&B and café has shut down, dealing a severe blow to the local community. The owner attributed the closure to the establishment’s challenging location, which led to a lack of foot traffic.
The Dove Inn, known for its gluten-free offerings, ceased operations in Alburgh, Norfolk, after operating for two and a half years under the stewardship of Sonya Resemblance. The closure reflects the ongoing struggles faced by pubs and hospitality businesses across Britain, with mounting expenses and evolving consumer behaviors adding strain to the industry.
In a recent development, the popular White Horse on London End in Beaconsfield permanently closed its doors. This closure, along with warnings from pub owners about the industry’s survival, highlights the financial pressures faced by businesses. The pub sector saw a significant number of closures in the early months of 2025 due to substantial cost increases.
Despite being recognized as one of the top 50 cafés in the UK at the 2025 Small Business Awards shortly before its closure, the Dove Inn ultimately succumbed to economic challenges. Sonya Resemblance, who took over the inn in July 2023, offered a gluten-free menu, a point of pride for catering to individuals with dietary restrictions.
Acknowledging the closure, Sonya expressed gratitude to patrons for their support and emphasized the business’s contributions to job creation, training opportunities, and community well-being initiatives. However, she lamented the inability to sustain the business at its current location, attributing the closure to the challenging setting.
Prior to the closure announcement, the business had signaled its struggles amid broader retail and hospitality pressures. Sonya underscored the challenges faced by the industry and the business’s determination to weather the storm despite the unfavorable location.
Despite efforts by loyal customers to save the business, Sonya confirmed the closure on Friday, January 16, eliciting an outpouring of supportive messages from the community. One customer expressed sadness at the news and hoped for a potential return of the beloved establishment in the future.
