A popular former cheese and beer deli, The Grumpy Goat, closed its Union Street doors on Tuesday, October 31 after they were given one week to vacate the property.

Known for its specialty cheeses, the venue was part of the Reading's independent business scene and a Union Street occupant for the last 10 years.

On October 25, 2023, the Grumpy Goat released a post on social media announcing that their journey was coming to an end sooner than they would like.

The owner told the Reading Chronicle in an interview that following failed negotiations with the landlord where they ‘couldn’t afford the increased rent’, they were given one week to vacate the building.

Read more on the Original interview here.

The shop and café finished trading on Saturday, October 28 in a packed-out Halloween party.

After the news of the closure, other businesses including Reading pubs came forward to show their support.

On October 28, which was the shop's last day of trading, Joanna Loxton launched a petition on Change.Org with the hope of saving the business from ‘extinction’.

The petition gave people the chance to sign if they felt that the business deserved to be saved.

Joanna stated in the petition: “We urge those in power to reconsider this decision and work towards solutions that will allow The Grumpy Goat to continue serving its loyal customers and enriching our town’s culture.

“Join us in standing up for small businesses, for our community, and specifically for saving The Grumpy Goat from closure. Please sign this petition today!”

So far, 2,060 people have signed the online petition.

Read more here

Following the closure of The Grumpy Goat, a notice was posted on the shop's website that the online shop would be suspended until further notice.

The notice said: “Our webshop is currently suspended while we deal with the closing of the shop in Union Street.

“If you have placed an order – please bear with us – we will get back to you, but it is unlikely to be before Wednesday next week. We’ll do our best to fulfill any orders, but if we can’t we’ll process a refund.

“Thank you for your patience and we are sorry for any inconvenience.”

On November 5 one week after the business’ closure, the GOAT team posted an Instagram announcement thanking the public for their support during the ‘massive challenge’.

They said: “It’s been a really full-on few weeks for the Goat Team; a rollercoaster of emotions Closing down our physical shop in a week was a massive challenge, but somehow we managed to do it, inspired by your love and strength!!!

“We have all been humbled by the many messages of support we have received from you all, we feel truly honoured to have been a part of Reading’s incredible indie-scene.



“At this point, we will be taking some time to reflect and consider our future plans. Please keep an eye on our socials for any updates.

“If you have placed an order on our webshop in the last few weeks we will be getting back to you all next week.

“THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! Words cannot say enough!!!”

On Tuesday, November 14 the Chronicle spotted a For Sale/For Let sign outside the former Grumpy Goat shop.

Hicks Baker Property Consultancy company confirmed that the unit was up for sale.

The Reading Chronicle has contacted the Grumpy Goat's owners for further update on their future.