12 businesses that closed for good in Salisbury in 2023

Here are 12 that we will miss: 

Cake Forge

After running for seven years, husband and wife Dan and Kate Mills decided to shut up shop in September 30 due to Dan's health issues, among other reasons.

They said it was a “difficult decision” and made with a “heavy heart”.

Music Room

After being open for nearly six decades on Catherine Street the music shop was forced to shut down in March.

The store said: “After almost 60 years of trade From Strangers, to Percy Priors and finally us here at Music Room, 5 Catherine Street will no longer be a music shop.”

It added: “We have been so proud to be the place where you have all come at one point or another along musical journeys.”

Paperchase

Not long into the New Year Paperchase, which was on New Canal, went into administration.

Joint Administrators of Begbies Traynor said: “We intend to retain all employees in the Paperchase stores as they continue to trade, and in the operational functions which support the stores’ trading.”

Jojo Maman Bebe

The clothing chain on Silver Street pulled its shutters down for the final time in September.

A note on the front window said: “We hope you can continue to visit us at your nearest local stores in Lymington Town and Winchester shop or online.”

Byron Burger

The collapse of the burger franchise came in January due to a rise in costs, such as food and utilities, and a reduction in consumer spending because of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Assistant manager Jessica Robinson, who’d been at the restaurant for five years with fiancé and head chef Jack Croughton, said: "They’ve only got 11 restaurants left now and they’re all quite close together.”

Its Salisbury restaurant was on New Canal. 

Yoga Stuff

In October the store tailored to health and wellbeing  shut up shop less than two years after opening.

A Facebook post said: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, as of this evening, Yoga Stuff has ceased trading.”

Yoga teacher and owner of Yoga Stuff, Ilona Corydon Burns said: "It’s been a bit tricky with the River Park project and all the car parking disappearing, and hearing about what is going on in Fisherton Street also is not great.”

Boathouse Pub

The Boathouse Pub closed in February, just five months after reopening. 

Owners blamed costs and footfall, and said it was "a very difficult decision.”

They further added: "There are many factors attributing to the decision, which includes the cost increases in energy stock, the redevelopment park work which has resulted in complete loss of footfall and the current climate where we all are more careful where we are spending money.”

The Black Dog, Chilmark

The Black Dog Inn, Chilmark (Image: Google Maps)

The only pub in Chilmark ceased to exist in October, after owner Robert Jones applied for planning permission to build a couple of houses in the beer garden.

There may still be a future for the pub, though, as a community group has the chance of putting in a bid for the £550K property which is currently on the market till January, 24, 2024 to save the land.

Triple Two Coffee

Triple Two Coffee Salisbury (Image: Newsquest)

 The coffee shop lost its lease in May being forced to close forever after the owner failed to pay rent.

Laura Peters, from Triple Two Coffee said:” The property was occupied by a franchise who unfortunately had to close the business due to rising costs and declining footfall in the town.”

Sports Direct Fitness

Sports Direct Fitness gym, Summerlock Approach, Salisbury (Image: Spencer Mulholland)

Just last week the Sports Direct gym on Summerlock Approach announced it was closing that same day, giving members and staff alike just a few hours' notice. 

An email sent to members read: ”We are really saddened to deliver this news despite our attempts to keep the gym trading, sadly the costs to maintain the facilities has made it impossible for us to continue.”

It also mentioned that customers would receive a partial refund for their December direct debit payment which would be paid before the end of the month.

Pizza Venti

September saw Salisbury’s top restaurant shut permanently after being victim of multiple setbacks.

In June owner Alexandru Popescu stated he would “give up his dream” and shut his company.

The restaurant was rated for over a year as the city’s number-one venue to eat at.

Jigsaw

The fashion retailer closed its Salisbury store which sat on 47 New Canal Street on the final day of the month in March.

Councillor Atiqul Hoque, deputy mayor of Salisbury was upset to see the departure of the High street brand: "It’s always sad to see when a shop decides to close and leave Salisbury. Jigsaw offered such a fantastic variety of clothes they will be missed by many I’m sure.”