Holywell: 'It's the end of an era' for Kassidy's Tea Room

It is the end of an era but start of a new adventure for Christine and Simon Nicholls who are handing over Kassidy's Tea Room in Holywell after 19-years.

Christine and her husband Simon opened Kassidy's, named after their sheep dog, to begin an exciting new phase in their lives.

Sadly, six-years-ago an incident left Simon disabled and since then it has become a challenge for Christine to manage her business and caring duties. 

Sam will take over the business from April 30 (Image: Christine Nicholls)
Initially, the pair were to shut down the cafe in January 2024 but thankfully found a way to keep it going.

Front of house employee for over 10-years Sam Jones has now agreed to take over the business.

For the past few weeks, Sam has been a chef extraordinaire, calmly and confidently cooking for Kassidy's much-loved customers. She has also allowed Christine to begin studying for her new career.

Christine said: "I have loved the cafe but it has been increasingly difficult to juggle running a business and caring duties since Simon's incident so we decided to make a change.

"Sam has worked for us for several years after starting on a government scheme to help school leavers to find employment.

"She has become very important to us and is a really lovely talented young lady. I know Sam is going to continue to look after all the customers we have come to care about over the years."

Christine left the cafe on Saturday, April 27 and although she is excited for her new career, she said it is "utterly heart-wrenching" to say goodbye to the customers she has grown to love.

She is now completing an ECDL course in Deeside college with the hope of being able to work from home and care for Simon.

Not only does the cafe serve delicious homemade food, fresh bakes and refreshments, but it has become a social hub for many residents over the years. 

Christine added: "What we have loved most is the community. It was never about the money for us but rather creating a space where everyone is welcome and made to feel part of a family.

MOST READ

• Wrexham patient with persistent pain expected to wait three-years for appointment

• The 'time-warp' seaside village in North Wales among most beautiful in Britain

• IN PICTURES: Wrexham AFC's promotion party at STōK Cae Ras

"I will never forget a large group of older ladies and gentleman that used to meet up for a drink and a lively chat every week and when I once asked them how they all knew each other the one gentleman told me that they had only become friends since coming to the cafe! Before then he had been completely isolated and hadn’t spoken to anyone socially for about three years!"

Despite neither of them being from Holywell originally, Christine and Simon have been made to feel very special in the community. 

The cafe is closed today (April 29) to allow Sam to set up her new cafe. New opening hours will also be shared on he Kassidy's Tea Room Facebook page.