The venue is shutting after 15 years in business
Leaf on Bold Street, Liverpool(Image: Liverpool Echo)
The owners of a city institution has delivered a final message to their customers as the venue closes for the final time. Leaf on Bold Street is shutting today, Sunday, September 21 for good after 15 years.
The city centre venue, run by siblings Natalie and Graham Haywood, first opened in 2010. The brand later opened a second branch on Smithdown Road and a site in West Kirby in 2020, shortly before the national covid lockdown measures came into force.
Earlier this year, the ECHO reported how the West Kirby branch had closed citing financial struggles and a “fragile industry” that looks “bleaker than ever”. Natalie confirmed that the company would focus on its remaining sites following the closure.
On Wednesday, September 3, the company confirmed its original Bold Street site will also close. The announcement was met with an outpouring of love and nostalgia from fans of the venue, prompting a follow-up message from the Leaf team.
Leaf tea shop and venue on Bold Street, Liverpool(Image: Trinity Mirror NW2)
The owners explained they had made the decision to sell the lease to a new operator, allowing them to spend more time with their young families.
Today the brand held its final event, a farewell brunch on the ground floor. Co-founder Natalie told the ECHO: “It’s a very emotional day for us all today as we close the doors on LEAF on Bold Street for good.
“Myself, Graham, our team of wonderful staff and everyone we work with have all been humbled by the lovely messages since we announced the site is closing.
Leaf owner Natalie Haywood
“It’s been lovely to see so many regulars coming back to spend time in the venue and to say goodbye – we know LEAF Bold Street means a lot to so many people, both locally and those who have visited us from further afield over the years.
“So it’s been truly heart-warming to celebrate and reminisce all things LEAF Bold Street with our customers in the build-up to closing. And now as this chapter does close, we’re all looking forward to focusing on our other venues in Liverpool and we have lots of exciting plans to reveal soon.”
The team is hosting a flea market sale of stock and equipment on Wednesday, September 24 and Thursday, September, 25 from 12 pm to 3pm.
Leaf on Bold Street has closed
Natalie added: “So for anyone wanting to take a piece of LEAF home, this is the time to do it, where everything is up for grabs.
“We know many customers have got such great memories from the venue and I’m sure there will be plenty of personal and unique memories inside the walls. The team will be ready to welcome visitors this week to the flea market.”
The LEAF group also oversees OH ME OH MY opposite the Three Graces, along with One Fine Day and Little Leaf on Old Hall Street. The post added: “LEAF will still be here for you at our other homes.”