Ruff day for pet owners

By Georgia Mcjannett-Smith

Dog friendly, plant-based cafe and bar, Wags n Tales, has closed both its branches, in Surbiton and Twickenham.

On their Facebook page the owners said “the cost of living, the energy crisis (1000% rise in both locations!), stafing shortages and all-round increased costs” were major factors in their decision to shut their doors.

Former KU student, Poppy Fox said: “Being a student and also having a young pet proves a hard task when you’re trying to study.

When I found Wags n Tales I was able to bring my cat to a study session and feel like both of our needs were being met. The staf played a huge part in creating a welcoming and inclusive space.”

Fox added: “It’s the frst ever cafe I’ve seen that has been so well catered to both people and animals, it was a safe, cosy, clean environment that will be dearly missed.”

According to the Ofce for National Statistics, electricity prices in the UK increased by 65.4% and gas prices rose by

128.9% in 2022, which has made owning a small business more fnancially challenging than ever before.

The end of free movement after Brexit has exacerbated staf shortages in the hospitality sector.

A joint survey by UK Hospitality revealed that the highest shortages are for front of house roles followed by