Catterick's Naafi looks set to follow the Winchester, Scarborough and Lancaster branches in closing down
Catterick's Naafi looks set to follow the Winchester, Scarborough and Lancaster branches in closing down
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Naafi to close outlet in Catterick, with TV star Cotton joining locals in opposing move

Catterick's Naafi looks set to follow the Winchester, Scarborough and Lancaster branches in closing down
Catterick's Naafi looks set to follow the Winchester, Scarborough and Lancaster branches in closing down

Naafi is to close its Catterick Garrison cafe after continued struggles for the much-loved forces brand.

The move follows closures in Winchester, Scarborough and Lancaster which the organisation previously said were linked to "strategic adjustments" after a challenging time on the high street.

Naafi, whose patron is His Majesty the King, has provided welfare-based services for military personnel for more than a century.

The news has been met with frustration and disappointment, with Catterick-based residents launching a government petition to prevent its closure gaining the support of high-profile Armed Forces champion Antony Cotton.

The Catterick Naafi cafe opened in March 2023 and is set to close less than two years later
The Catterick Naafi cafe opened in March 2023 and is set to close less than two years later

The Coronation Street star took to social media to say he was hoping to engage with Naafi bosses over the closure, adding that the location was a "vital hub for so many in the garrison".

BFBS Forces News understands Mr Cotton will meet senior figures from the organisation on Tuesday.

Catterick's Naafi facility is a popular spot for military families based at the UK's largest military garrison and for veterans from across the region, some of whom travel a distance to spend time there. 

And, something that sets it apart from many of its high street rivals, patrons of the business can bring their dogs into the building while enjoying the cakes and brews on offer.

In a statement published on its website, Naafi said it was willing to transfer the cafe to a community-led initiative should one emerge, and is even offering to contribute to the rent of the site.

It said: "We recognise that this presents an exciting opportunity for the cafe to become a community-led facility.

"Naafi are happy to donate the cafe, with furniture, equipment and decorations included, and we would be prepared to support a proportion of the rental cost."

Naafi's Catterick outlet opened less than two years ago and is one of a few final high street locations the charity still operates.

Other cafe locations in Gibraltar and Fareham remain open.

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