IT IS a difficult time for businesses - after weathering lockdowns they are now facing a cost of living crisis.

While there have been plenty of new businesses opening, they have been a number forced to shut their doors because of growing energy bills.

Last week alone, The Leaking Well at Dunhampton and Chinese takeaway ChinaLeng both announced the cost of living crisis had led them to close.

Clint Webbe and Matt Haley have been on a rollercoaster since opening Neighbourhood in Reindeer Court in 2019 - three months before the world shut down because of covid. 

And despite the obvious hindrances, the team has managed to keep the business afloat by switching between a deli, a delivery doughnut service, a wholesaler, and now a cafe. 

Worcester News: NEIGHBOURHOOD: Meet the co-owners Clint Webbe and Matt HaleyNEIGHBOURHOOD: Meet the co-owners Clint Webbe and Matt Haley (Image: NQ)

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For this year's Christmas fayre, they will be holding a pop-up pie shop at Neighbourhood.

Clint Webbe, age 29, said: "We've always been worried about how we are going to pay our bills, rent, and eat for the past three years, so we're kind of used to it now.

Worcester News: WHOLESOME: Neighbourhood in Reindeer Court WHOLESOME: Neighbourhood in Reindeer Court (Image: NQ)

"If we weren't young dudes with no real responsibility we would've closed last year. 

"Other than running the business we don't have a massive amount of responsibility, 

"I don't know how small family businesses run with other responsibilities. 

"There is no real help for small businesses like us."

However, the name Neighbourhood was chosen in the hopes to give something back to the community. 

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Worcester News: WHOLESOME: Neighbourhood in Reindeer Court WHOLESOME: Neighbourhood in Reindeer Court (Image: NQ)

The pair, who have 20 years of hospitality experience between them, previously worked in bars and restaurants in London. 

Mr Haley, age 30, said: "You don't really have the opportunity to have your own business venture in London, but it is more attainable round here." 

"We have a dream and we want to stay with that dream and not cheapen ourselves in order to achieve it." Mr Webbe added.

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Mr Haley and Webbe are trained chefs and bake everything served in the deli from scratch.

Despite the issues facing the industry, the pair have big plans and hope to eventually expand to a bigger venue.

Mr Webbe said: "We have had everything in the way. 

"But we want to open a bigger restaurant, right now we can seat 14 people, but we want to seat at least 50 people. 

Worcester News: Neighbourhood in Reindeer Court Neighbourhood in Reindeer Court (Image: NQ)

"We want to keep our business relatively small, but we have big dreams and big plans but every time they are stunted by something."