An award-winning coffee shop that withstood Covid lockdowns is closing on New Year’s Day.

Skinny Dip, in Northdown Road, Cliftonville, has to come to an end because of harsh trading condition now, say the management. The enterprise is selling its existing stock.

Co-boss Tom Denning said on the business’ Facebook page today: “The time has come for Skinny Dip to close its doors.

“The last few months have been extremely challenging and as a small independent business, it is proving impossible to continue.

“I just want to say thank you to our amazing team who have tried so hard to make it work - I’ll always be grateful - Thanet hospitality, please employ them!!

“Thank you also to our fabulous customers who have been with us on this three year journey. Each and every one of you made it possible for us to enjoy the ride we had.

“Our last trading day will be January 1. We are sad to say goodbye.”

Mr Denning encouraged customers to visit the coffee shop in its last days.

Skinny Dip was co-founded in October 2020 by Mr Denning. As a brand new small business it survived the remaining two coronavirus lockdowns that winter.

Last month Skinny Dip won a prize in the Brita Professional inaugural Grounds of Innovation Awards and has previously been praised by celebrities including Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Tom Lenk and singer Jade Thirlwall from Little Mix.

It has given Thanet artists display space for their work and liaised with a local care home to give a young man with disabilities work experience.

It is the only shop in this country to buy coffee just from female farmers and producers, ,so helping tackle the gender imbalance in the global coffee supply chain.