Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 25 April 2023

A CAFE in the heart of Hinckley town centre has seemingly closed its doors without notice.

Rusiana Cafe Bar, based inside Regent Street’s Edwards Corner complex, was frequented by many for toasties, soups, crepes, cakes, craft beers, and coffees.

It usually opened from Thursdays to Saturdays, and shown the news on TV to keep customers up with current affairs as they sat down with a coffee, or quick bite to eat.

But, in more recent weeks, it has been noticed that the lights have been switched off, with the front doors locked, and main gate entrance into the shop being locked shut.

As well as this, the chairs have been stacked up on top of the tables, leaflets and letters have started to pile on up, with the fridge emptied out, and television removed.

No notices announcing an official closure have yet been signposted in the restaurant itself, or has an official statement yet been released by the owner at present.

Rather confusingly, the sign reading ‘open’ still has not been taken down.

Rusiana opened in August 2020, and was owned by Lee Cowan, who has worked as a chef for many years, and travelled around the world cooking up dishes in America, Spain, and France. He even cooked at a royal wedding for the Prince of Greece.

The name ‘Rusiana’ is a portmanteau of his two daughter’s names, Ruby and Siana.

The Hinckley Free Press have approached Rusiana for a comment on if it has gone for good or not, but did not hear back at the time of publication (Tuesday, 25 April). The phone lines were ringing out, before being hit by an automated voicemail message.

The potential closure comes at a time that a new cafe could soon set up shop, and another have confirmed that they will be opening up next month.

Local businessman, Mr. Adrian McGreevy, wants to open a brand new cafe inside of the former Santander bank on Castle Street, which has sat empty since July 2021. But, the plan for this is still ‘awaiting decision’ from the borough council’s team of planners.

And, on the nearby Station Road, the former Honey Buns cafe and samosa shop is looking to open next month, with job vacancies for a Cafe Assistant available.

This comes after the business was placed on the market. Those who want further details, or want to apply, can simply contact matthew.scott@live.co.uk, or call him directly on 07471 187318.