Murray Wood: Who's being fooled this April 1?
Murray Wood says every day is April Fools Day in the disinformation age and, as ever, some people will never believe the...
After more than a decade of selling crisps, tarts, scotch eggs and fish and chips to people in Saskatchewan, Churchill’s British Imports in Saskatoon is closing its doors.
The news was announced on the shop’s Facebook page just before Christmas, on Dec. 20.
Badger posted a notice to its Facebook page Dec. 20, notifying customers of the shop’s closure. (Facebook/submitted)
“We have been very well supported by Saskatchewan’s British community, those looking for a connection to their British roots, and customers that just wanted to experience our take on traditional British Fayre,” read the statement.
In a telephone interview, Tony Badger, the owner of Churchill’s, said it was simply time to close up the Saskatoon shop.
“It’s time. There’s nothing more to add, than it’s been great, and it’s time,” he said.
Inside of Churchill’s store, which sells imported British goods. (Lara Fominoff/650 CKOM)
The shop and cafe have in the past held special events like afternoon high tea in honour of King Charles’ coronation, and celebrating former Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Badger had also expressed concern about the establishment of a 15-bed complex needs shelter directly across the street from his Idylwyld store’s location.
However, since the store closing announcement, he said his shop’s been flooded with people looking for their last spot of British tea, their traditional English breakfast, or other imported treats.
“We were certainly full on the cafe side for the last five days once the news was out and the shop was exceedingly busy as well. People drove up from Estevan, Moose Jaw, Regina.”
He’s also thankful to the community for its support.
“It’s been tremendous from the community. We wish everyone all the best for ’25,” he said.
Badger has two other stores, one in Edmonton and another in Parksville on Vancouver Island. Those stores will remain open.
Read more:
