The White Horse Cafe in Northallerton closes its doors

The White Horse Café, in Northallerton, has been a long-standing café in the town after the Almond family bought it in 1996.

Brother and sister David Almond, 56 and Andrea Sunley, 61, both from Northallerton, have run the business together for the last 10 years after taking it over from their parents.

The White Horse Café, Northallerton (Image: The White Horse Café,)

Their parents, Ken and Mary Almond, opened their first premises in Thirsk in 1982 before taking on the Northallerton site.

The brother and sister duo said they decided to close the Northallerton café to slow down and have a “bit more free time.”

Mr Almond said: “Me and my sister run the shop between us, and we’ve been there 30 years in Northallerton, and 44 years in the business overall.

“We’re just getting a bit older now, so there’s always been intentions to cut back down to one shop to make things a bit easier and give ourselves a bit more free time.

The White Horse Café, Northallerton (Image: The White Horse Café,)

“We’ve worked seven days a week for years, so it’s just about slowing down a bit now.

“The Thirsk shop will carry on as normal, but this felt like the right time to step back – we’re not quite ready to retire yet.”

The café officially changed hands earlier this week, with its final day of trading under the White Horse name taking place on Monday (May 18), when the sale went through.

Mr Almond described the closure as “bittersweet” after so many years serving the community.

He said: “We’ve really enjoyed being there, it’s been good and we’ve done all right.

“It is a bit sad to leave after all that time, but at the same time, it feels like the right decision. It’s bittersweet.”

The premises will reopen under new ownership as The Angler.

The White Horse Café, Northallerton (Image: The White Horse Café,)

Mr Almond wished the new owner all the best after taking over their much-loved café.

He said: “The new owners have run shops before, I think he’ll do a great job, and I wish him all the best.”

The fish and chip café, which prides itself on using top quality line caught Norwegian haddock, has been a favourite for generations.

Since announcing the news, the owners have had an outpouring of support from their long-standing customers.

The White Horse Café, Northallerton (Image: The White Horse Café,)

One person said: “That’s sad news, hope they cook fish the way you do. Good luck and thanks for the best fish and chips ever.”

While another said: “All good things must come to an end, and it certainly has been amazingly good.

“I remember you opening in Northallerton all those years ago and enjoying many chippy teas there.

“Happy semi-retirement.”

The Thirsk premises at 91 Market Place, Thirsk, YO7 1EY, will remain open as normal.