'End of an era' for ice cream shop open 106 years

Staff at a much-loved family-run ice cream business say they are "devastated" after announcing it is closing its doors after 106 years of business due to rising costs.

Tarr's Ice Cream first opened in the Brislington area of Bristol in the 1920s and fast became a place where local families would head to get a treat. It was also named Bristol's Family Business of the Year in 2018.

But after weathering through the lockdowns of Covid-19 and struggling with the continuing rising costs of operating, the family said things were "extremely difficult" to sustain.

Bradley Tarr, a fourth generation member of the family, said: "It is a sad time... but it's had to happen unfortunately."

The 41-year-old said many factors including Brexit, the pandemic and the rising cost of living prompted by ongoing conflict around the world had pushed up the prices associated with running the business.

He added that he found an old annual electric bill from 2012 for £14,000, compared to last year's bill of £78,000.

Although Bradley said it was a sad time, he said the situation was "easier" for him to come to terms with as he had seen the business "struggle more" compared to his older relatives.

"I feel more sorry for the people who have spent their whole lives doing it - my grandad, my great auntie Vera, my auntie Deana who's still working in the business, my mum - who's worked there ever since I can remember - my sister who still works there part-time... it's very sad, but I know it's the right time," he said.

He added that the family felt "a cocktail of emotions" with a mixture of pride and sadness, but they would remember the good times.

In a post on social media which gained thousands of responses from customers past and present, the family shared a "heartfelt thank you".

"We have had to make this upsetting and difficult decision to pull the shutters down for the very last time," they said.

"Life in this world has become extremely difficult for small family-run businesses to stay open.

"We tried our best to keep our dream and love for ice cream alive as long as we could.

"At the end of an era comes with great sadness, our final chapter is closing."

The family said they planned to keep the shop open to sell remaining stock before closing the doors for good after November.

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