A STRUGGLING cafe has decided to close its doors before Christmas simply due to a "lack of customers".

Something Else To Eat in Warren Row, North Ascot has been serving a variety of cakes, sandwiches and homemade lunches but has not made enough profit to sustain it being open.

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Sharon Parker, who took over the business 16 months ago feels sad to have had to close the cafe, but explained that not enough people ate at the cafe.

She said: "There was no passing trade and even though people are sad to see it close, those people never came to the cafe so it's no wonder I can't run the business anymore.

"If it broke even it would have had no problem but it can't compete with the big boys or match their advertising or brand power."

ALSO READ: Bracknell and Ascot students take part in Rotary cooking competition The position of the cafe has also been a problem because there is no "passing trade" as it is on a no through road, the mum explained.

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Ms Parker added: "If you are a one man band then you can barely scrape a living from it. It is a shame that we are closing but it is just not upping its turnover. I considered this in July but now I decided I just cannot do it anymore."

Shocked residents responded to the news on a Facebook group and said it is a shame to see small business close down in this day and age.

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Lynda Brown said: "Ditch the Costa and support local. I try so hard to eat in independent restaurants - or places not from huge chains. It is not always possible but with a little effort we can."

Brooke Lelli added: "They were so lovely and yummy with well priced meals."

The cafe also served as a hub to support charities, like The Black Isle Group Big Foundation, which collects bras for women in Kenya.

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Katrina Sexton from Sunningdale asked her friends if they have any unwanted bras they could donate and since then, thousands have been dropped off into the cafe.

However, Sharon said: "It was lovely to have been a part of that but the thing is, people would come in but then not buy anything from us so we just weren't making any money."

Sharon has plans to open the cafe on Christmas day as a pop-up for single people so they don't feel alone on the day.

The cafe owner will still be open for cooperate and event catering.