ONE of Wokingham’s best loved wine bars and restaurants, The Grape Escape has closed, with owners blaming the ongoing town centre regeneration works for the closure. .
Fans and diners at the popular venue were shocked to read an online statement from owners Sara and Keith Searle.
It blamed “the decline in footfall” for the sudden closure.
The news comes a day after The Wokingham Paper exclusively revealed that this Sunday Wetherspoon is to close The Gig House for good.
It is the latest store to close in the town centre. In recent months, shoe shop Cara, clothes retailer Marks & Spencer and several small convenience stores have all put up their shutters for good. Fame dancewear has also gone, replaced with a nail bar.
The note reads: “Hi Grape Escape Lovers. “It is with a very heavy heart I send this post as of today The Grape Escape has closed for good.
“With the massive decline of footfall to Wokingham we just couldn’t stay open another day.
“Thank you to all our fantastic lovely customers we will miss you we have loved serving you all.
“Sorry if you have booked a table with us. All our love Sara Emily Josh Kyle Josh Charlie and Tom.”
Regulars and visitors to the Denmark Street premises were praising the Grape Escape just days and weeks ago.
One person wrote: “What a beautiful night we had. Me and my girlfriend went for wine and cheese and I can’t recommend it enough! Emily, our hostess was so lovely, so welcoming and kind and very interesting to chat to, very engaging. ”
Another said: “I personally love the grape escape great food, great wine and great service! So friendly and reasonable prices.”
The Grape Escape is in Denmark Street, which has been closed to traffic since March to allow the Market Place regeneration works to continue.
The works are expected to be finished in July,
