A much–loved Caledon café which has been at the heart of village life for a quarter of a century is to close its doors next month.
Cafe Rose will serve its last customers on Thursday, September 26, owner Ann Henderson has confirmed in an emotional social media post which has prompted a huge outpouring of tributes.
Ann, who has run the Main Street business for 25 years alongside her husband Gerard and daughter Shannon, said the decision followed “ongoing and protracted negotiations” over a new lease which had ultimately reached an impasse.
“Despite my genuine efforts to find a fair and workable solution it has become increasingly apparent a mutually acceptable way forward is not possible,” she wrote.
“There comes a point when you must decide how much time and energy you are willing to devote to what has ultimately proved to be a pointless exercise.
“After much reflection I have decided to walk away from what I can only politely describe as a negative situation where there appeared to be no genuine prospect of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.”
Ann said she had devoted “years of hard work, energy, and resources” to Cafe Rose and that “many sleepless nights” had preceded the decision.
“It is not one I ever in a million years thought I’d ever be choosing but I do so out of a duty of care and sense of respect for myself, my family and my staff,” she continued.
“Although my heart is sore, I will leave knowing I exhausted every possibility and with a sense of pride in all we have achieved.
“The most difficult part of this is knowing that we are much more than just a cafe. We have been a place where strangers became friends, where families gathered and where community mattered.
“We celebrated the good days and supported each other in the harder times. We’ve laughed together, cried together and built something special together. Something that was much more than coffee and cake.”
Ann paid warm tribute to her family – including husband Gerard, whom she described as “a vital cog over all these years” – and to her three children, who “grew up with Cafe Rose and accepted the sacrifices that were made in the early years never complaining”.
To her daughter Shannon, who became an integral part of the business, she wrote: “My daughter, my right hand woman, my side kick and my support network all rolled into one… my partner in crime who not only brought your fantastic baking skills but also your gentle nature, wisdom and friendship.”
She also thanked generations of staff member families – naming the McGees, O’Haras, Halls, O’Donnells, Wrays and O’Gormans among “a raft of other fantastic individuals” – as well as customers from Caledon and far beyond.
“You helped create a place that so many people came to love,” she said. “To our wonderful villagers and wider community. Thank you for embracing us and allowing us to thrive.
“I know this news will be very disappointing to many of you and I am genuinely sorry for the impact it will have… Your support meant everything to us and always will.”
Ann also singled out her legal adviser Michaela for particular thanks, describing her as “the kindest, most generous soul” and saying she was “forever in your debt”.
‘A hub’ and ‘a huge loss to Caledon’
A plethora of comments were posted within hours of the announcement, many from local customers and former staff speaking of what Cafe Rose has meant to them and to the village.
Local journalist Eleanor McGillie described the café – and its adjoining “Back of Beyond” space – as “a great hub” over the years.
“What a great hub Cafe Rose and Back of Beyond has been for us over the years from celebrating Patrick’s birthday for pizza and mocktails, hearty breakfasts, lunches, takeaways and great coffee,” she wrote.
“There are always opportunities ahead and you’re a fantastic businesswoman to make things work. One door closes – another door opens.”
Another commenter said she hoped the closure would at least bring some relief after a difficult period behind the scenes.
“You will feel like a ton of bricks lifted off your shoulders not having any more hassle,” she said.
For some, Cafe Rose had been more than a regular coffee stop – it had been a lifeline.
Reflecting on her own experiences, one villager wrote: “So hard to read this Ann. You were so kind to me and a supportive shoulder. I can remember going to the Cafe just so I was not eating alone.
“I probably made very little sense in the early days of grief but you listened… There is always a buzz about the place and I never felt alone after chatting with you all. I will miss you and so will many others. God bless for whatever you decide for the future. A huge loss to Caledon.”
Others echoed that sense of loss, but also of pride in what had been created.
“Cafe Rose is such a credit to you, and you have so much to be proud of,” wrote one woman. “As you said, it wasn’t just a place to eat and drink – it was a space that brought people together.”
Former staff members also paid tribute. One woman, who worked there “all them years ago”, said she knew “how much love you put into Cafe Rose” and added: “I’m sure you are proud of what you built and achieved.”
‘A big loss to the community’
Many highlighted the role the café had played in community life, fundraising and simply looking out for neighbours.
“I know you have always put your heart and soul into Cafe Rose. It will be a big loss to the community. This will be a shock to so many.”
“Thank you for supporting the community and your support towards so many fundraisers. I even knew when the boys were younger and I ran out of milk on a Sunday I could pop up and get some in the cafe. It’s all those little sentiments that made you as successful and well thought of as you are.”
Another pointed to the wider impact on a small rural village.
“A great personal loss to you and your family after 25 years of hard work, a great loss to your many valued customers and a great loss to the overall village,” she said.
“In a small village every business that closes has a knock-on effect to the other businesses already there. On a personal note Ann I know you have exhausted all avenues and so it’s time to move on and I wish you and Shannon all the best for the future.”
Cafe Rose also carved out a reputation among cyclists as a go-to stop on weekend spins through the countryside.
Killylough Cycling Club said they were “so sorry to hear this”, adding: “We thoroughly enjoyed our stops there and wish you all the best in future projects. From all at Killylough CC.”
Fellow cyclist Keith Murphy summed it up simply: “This was one of the best coffee stops for cyclists about, great food, great menu and very accommodating, it is very sad to see that you are closing.”
Despite the evident sadness, Ann ended her message on a note of quiet optimism.
“Whilst this may be the end of the chapter it isn’t the end of our story,” she wrote.
“I don’t know exactly yet where the road will lead but the book is not yet finished. And so, rather than saying goodbye with regret, I choose to say goodbye with gratitude and the hope of better things to come.”
“With so much love,” she signed off. “Ann.”
