Tofurei vegan cafe in Norwich is closing its doors

Tofurei has been operating since 2016, starting with a small cafe in Pottergate where staff served cakes and coffee by day and made tofu by night.   

Originally founded by Steve Lepper and Jenny McCann, it was ground-breaking in offering food such as sandwiches, ‘soysages’ and burgers which were made using its own tofu. 

The team at Tofurei in St Gregory's Alley (Image: Newsquest)

Production was moved to Lenwade to keep up with demand and the shop relocated to St Gregory's Alley in 2020 which was thrown into national attention after the Hairy Bikers used it in their show Go Local. 

The shop will close next month with Ms McCann stating in a video that “it’s always a battle to make ends meet". 

“The last couple of years have been the best couple of years we have ever had in terms of sales and innovation,” she said. “But unfortunately it’s just not good enough.  

Tofurei serves plant-based treats (Image: Brittany Woodman)

“It’s always a battle to make ends meet at the end of the day despite everybody’s best efforts and if it was down to determination and enthusiasm alone, I definitely wouldn't be making this video. 

“Everything has just shot up in price, I know that isn’t news, it’s been like that for a long while, but we have been trying to kind of balance it out and do things a little bit different here there and everywhere.” 

Tofurei is now holding a sale in-store and online of its merchandise and is planning to host a “good old knees up” on its last day on August 3. 

Tofu made by Tofurei (Image: Newsquest) Ms McCann also shared plans to open a cake business by the end of the year. 

“We are hoping in the near future to set up a cake business because doing cakes has been an absolute joy and what else is life about other than seeking joy,” she added. 

“Thank you to all our customers over the years, you have been absolutely fantastic and so loyal, we love you all dearly so thank you for all the joy you’ve brought us.”