Hartley’s Ice Cream has announced it ceased trading at the end of 2024, blaming rising costs and “unseasonable” summers.

The Egremont-based business – that also owns the St Bees beach cafe – confirmed on Monday, January 6, the business ceased trading on December 30, 2024.

Owners explained the “difficult decision” came after three “unseasonable” summers and rising costs across the business.

In a social media post they said: “It is with great sadness and very heavy hearts that we announce that Hartleys Ice Cream Ltd ceased trading on 30/12/2024.

“This has been a very difficult decision but with the nature of the business needing good weather during the summer to see us through the winter and the past 3 summers being very unseasonal, rising costs across the whole business including Energy, supplier costs etc we feel it is in the best interest of company at this time.”

Owners of the business thanked customers for their support over the years.

Hartley’s first opened in 1931, by owner Grayson Hartley, but the most recent owners were Mark and Shirley Richardson.

In a final statement the owners appealed to anyone who still has any unused gift vouchers, that are still in date, to get in touch so these can be sorted.