Naafi closes several high street cafés after struggling in challenging times

The much-loved forces brand Naafi has closed down its cafés in Winchester, Scarborough and Lancaster after finding it difficult to stay afloat on the high street.

The not-for-profit organisation opened its first UK high street Naafi café at Catterick Garrison in March 2023 and its second in Winchester in April last year – this has now been shut less than two years after opening.

A statement from Naafi said: "After a challenging time on the high street, we are now making strategic adjustments to ensure we focus on our most critical locations around the world, supporting a vast array of military projects behind the wire.

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"We understand this may be disappointing news and want to express our sincere gratitude to our amazing staff and the wonderful people of Winchester, Scarborough and Lancaster, for sharing a brew with us."

Established in 1920, Naafi has been providing members of the British Armed Forces and their families with goods and services for more than a century.

Naafi operates in some of the world's most remote locations, like Ascension Island, in the middle of the African and South American continents.

The trusted military brand runs restaurants in notable locations, including historic sites like Dover Castle.

Naafi has established a presence in Gibraltar, running retail outlets, a pub for the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and visiting troops, as well as a café on the seafront.

King Charles is the patron of the not-for-profit organisation having taken over patronage from the late Queen in May.

Naafi has enjoyed a long history of Royal association since King George VI granted it his patronage in 1946.