UK city’s oldest shop closes for good – in business for 158 years

An iconic shop in Scotland that dates back almost 160 years has closed for good – prompting a flood of tributes from gutted locals. JA Braithwaite, a specialist tea and coffee shop, had been a mainstay in Dundee for generations.

It was established in the City Square all the way back in 1868, and later relocated to Castle Street in 1932, where it operated for some 94 years, staking its claim as the City of Discovery‘s oldest shop. It was known for its incredible vintage decour and enourmous range of the finest teas and coffees, a relic of the city’s rich Victorian history.

But after an incredible run spanning three centuries – operating under the reign of seven monarchs – the establishment has announced that it has served customers for the last time.

It was reported today that a sign in the window and an answerphone message left by the team confirmed the sad news its owners had decided to retire and wouldn’t be opening the shop again after the Easter break, as they thanked all their customers over the businesses 158-year history, The Courier reports.

Dundee Culture, a news oulet which shares news and updates about the city, voiced sadness at the news that one its most beloved institutions was no more.

In a post on Facebook it said: “Gutted to learn that J A Braithwaite has closed after 158 years,” the post read. “It was Dundee’s oldest coffee shop, and it wasn’t just somewhere to grab a coffee – it was part of the city’s story, a place generations of Dundonians grew up with, returned to.”

Hundreds of people have taken to the comments section to share their memories of the beloved local haunt, with one writing: “Four generations of my family bought tea and coffee from there.”

Another added: “My first thought when I read this was the smell….. I loved that shop and the aroma that you walked through as you walked by….”

A third said: “Devastated, a huge loss to Dundee coffee lovers, the smell of coffee, the whirring noise of the grinder, the expertly folded little bags of amazing coffee’s once ground fresh for you from all over the world.

“Such a shame it’s closing after 158 years, but I wish Braithwaites a long and happy retirement.”

A fourth added: “What a blow to good living and produce in Dundee. The last bastion of real taste. The supermarkets have won and quality has gone down hill completely.”