Clayton Road deli Country Whey says it has taken the difficult decision to raise its prices because of rising costs, even though the changes might put off some customers.

Sue Gordon, owner of Country Whey, told JesmondLocal she feared the shop could close down if action wasn’t taken and said some customers incorrectly assumed the price increase was for personal gain, instead of being a necessity.

Gordon said: “We didn’t want to raise our prices but there wasn’t much we could do”.

A staff member has explained on the shop’s Facebook page that the deli, which has been open for 55 years, has only raised prices four times in the last five years.

Covid-19 forced Country Whey to suspend its catering services, but the deli managed to survive the pandemic by sending staff on furlough.

Since then, the deli has suffered more difficulties as energy prices have increased and the costs of supplies and ingredients have risen.

Jesmond resident Mathew Burke told JesmondLocal: “I went there a few times for a coffee and a sandwich. It’s a lovely place, but as a student I can’t afford it now.”

The Jesmond deli offers a range of food including baked potatoes, sandwiches, quiche, sausage rolls, pastries, tray bakes, Sunday roast dinners, and tea and coffee, including soy and oat milk alternatives. The deli’s catering service means it also sells treats such as biscuits, crackers, toast, and coffee to take home.

Country Whey says it wants to remind locals to support small businesses as much as they are able. Gordon said: “It’s the little businesses that need the most help. Chain restaurants will never struggle as much as the community-based ones.”