Home   Stamford   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Stamford Pantry closes in High Street




An independent café has closed as the owner bids a fond farewell to the business.

After six successful years, Seema Khanna has shut the doors of the Stamford Pantry Co in the High Street.

Like many businesses, the pandemic presented Seema with challenges which led to her decision to close the business.

Seema Khanna of the Stamford Pantry
Seema Khanna of the Stamford Pantry

“Ultimately it was covid which firmed up my decision,” she said.

“I decided in July last year and it was agreed in September which was a bit longer than I anticipated.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having the business for six years. Stamford is a lovely little market town.”

For Seema there are two aspects which made her reluctant to leave - her staff and the customers.

Over the years she had more than 100 people on the books, ranging from full time staff to seasonal workers.

“The business gave me the opportunity to showcase what I can do,” said the Rutland resident. “I always wanted to have a coffee shop.

“Baking is like my baby so it gave me the chance to showcase different products.”

A key part of the business for Seema was introducing people to alternative food products such as gluten free or dairy free.

When she opened, there was limited options for people with dairy or gluten intolerances and allergies.

But now with milk varieties such as oat, soya and nut Seema believes the world is moving forward.

Seema first learned about alternative food when she did a health kick just before opening the business.

She wanted to show people that gluten free, dairy free and vegan food can still be delicious.

This is something she believes she achieved as her gluten free cake was the most popular product on sale in the café.

“When I first opened alternative milk was being sold by a wholesaler but not down to a consumer level. Now you can get it from a supermarket, said Seema.

“It was a bit of an eye-opener when I launched as people didn’t realise they could get alternatives until they tried them.”

The store has officially closed but Seema will continue to bake under the company name, The Stamford Cake Co.

The 39-year-old said: “I have mixed emotions. I’m sad that it’s an end of an era but I am very ready to move on.

“I’ve come a bit of a full circle. When I opened it was to showcase my cakes and hospitality.

"Now I want to focus on baking cakes again and don’t want to do the frontline hospitality.”



Comments | 0
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More