Owners of Suffolk ice cream shop says they're losing money as the cost of living crisis continues
"I am not making any money"
The cost of living crisis continues to affect the hospitality industry. with a local business in Woodbridge saying they're losing money.
Over 3000 eateries in the UK (3,347 ) have been unable to pay their debts in the past two years to March 2023, according to data from the Insolvency Service.
Ugur Vata runs an Ice cream shop and restaurant in Woodbridge called The Galley.
He told us that even in summer, business is as slow as in winter months and that in 29 years of running the restaurant, he has "never suffered economically" like he is now.
How the cost of living has impacted him
Currently, inflation sits at around 20% for some basic foods.
Ugur shared more details about his financial situation with us.
He told us he only buys the finest natural ingredients to ensure he is selling high-quality ice cream, meaning he now pays £8 more for a bag of sugar than he used to, whilst other ingredients have also gone up in price:
"For cream, we were paying something in the region of £4.80 now it's over £6.00 for two litres...
"My electricity bill came to £832 because we're making the ice cream weekly now.
"I am not managing very well because two weeks ago, in two days I took less than £200 in the middle of summer - that's soul-destroying."
Adding these onto the rising expenses of bills and wages Ugur told us: "I am not making any money."
His wife and daughter are also helping with the business on minimum wage: "We are just paying for our necessities - we haven't had any holidays."
Despite this, he has kept his prices the same in hopes of bringing in new customers.
Could things be looking up?
Recently, Marvel-ous actor Benedict Cumberbatch visited the The Galley Creamery.
Ugur allowed the actor to sample many of the flavours they offer, including Black Garlic, Pear Walnut and Gorgonzola, Peach and Jalapeno and some more traditional flavours.
According to Ugur Benedict called him a "Maverick" and used some stronger words when saying: 'this is the best ice cream I've ever tasted'.
Benedict opted for a full scoop of the mint choc-chip in the end, and the pair sat outside and spoke for at least 30 minutes.
Ugur told us he was incredibly down to earth and wanted to know more about him.
He even saw him again the next day driving past, and the actor waved from his car, whilst members of his family have also been back to visit.
He is hoping this visit will bring more customers and boost business.
What he would like to see
We asked Ugur what he would like to see change to help hospitality.
He said: "The Government needs to give a bit of leeway to hospitality, such as VAT. It needs to be reduced. During the pandemic it did help.
"We also need more financial support."