Frazers Ecclesfield: Popular coffee venue announces closure of Sheffield drive-thru
A popular Sheffield coffee firm says is having to close its drive-thru because of a huge hike in business rates.
Frazers Proper Coffee Drive Thru at Ecclesfield will close this month because of the increase.
They announced on their Facebook page: “It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of our Ecclesfield branch at Frazer’s Proper Coffee Drive Thru.”
They said they had seen a a dramatic increase in their business rates - from £15,000 to £64,000 and backdated to April 2025.
Their statement added: “We are left with no choice but to close this location. Despite extensive efforts with Sheffield City Council, local MPs, and the VOA, no solution has been found, and we now face debt collection proceedings after trying negotiations since October 2025.
“Our city centre location will remain open as usual.”
The Ecclesfield branch’s final day of operation will be February 8.
Urging people to visit them before they close they added: “We’re truly grateful for every customer who’s been part of the Ecclesfield journey.”
Among those expressing their sadness at the closure was the area’s ward councillor on Sheffield Council, Craig Gamble Pugh.
He said:” I'm gutted that Frazer's Coffee Roasters are having to shut their independent drive through coffee shop in Ecclesfield.
“It's been a regular early morning stop for me on the way to work.So distressing that this is because of a ludicrous leap in the rateable value from £15k to £64,000. What utter madness.”
Frazer Habershon has spent years trying to promote ethically-sourced, locally roasted alternatives to the big chains., and opened his drive throughs in Sheffield last year.
Coun Gamble Pugh.said Frazer contacted him late last year, and he and MP Marie Tidball had tried to help.
The councillor has raised concerns over the amount of tax small businesses like Frazers pay compared to large multinational firms.
He added: “This just proves we need a root and branch reform of business rates so as to support the small businesses, entrepreneurs, innovators.”