In the past few days I’ve noticed several strange closures in Wycombe. Here are two.

The first is Richoux, the restaurant in that funny building near the library. It’s been quiet for months now with just a notice on the door saying “We are sorry to inform our customers that Richoux is closed for refurbishment until further notice”. Is that code for ‘we won’t be re-opening’? The High Wycombe restaurant is no longer featured on the Richoux website, and there have been no press releases or anything. Rather annoying really, as I did enjoy eating there. The food was very good though quite pricey. Whilst never packed it was never dead in there when I visited.

So what has happened? I did email them a few weeks ago asking them, and I got no response. That’s good customer service!

The second of my two case studies is Past Times, the gift shop on Union Parade. I like that shop, with its selection of old-fashioned toys and the like. When I passed the store yesterday I saw two large signs: “This store is closing. Your nearest store is Windsor”. That really disappointed me. Windsor is not easy to get to from Wycombe and hardly a suitable alternative. It was only after emailing them (and getting a reply!) that I was told that the store was only ever meant to be temporary to cover the peak season over Christmas. Why weren’t we told this back then? At least then I wouldn’t have become too accustomed to them being here.

Two unfortunate closures. Let’s hope that number stays low.

XIII © MMX