A trendy Bath store selling plants and vinyl records faces imminent closure following a "bombshell" demand for outstanding rent.
Chapter 22 on Broad Street hosts regular music and poetry events and has secured gold at Bath in Bloom on three occasions.
However, owners Nicola Taylor and Dean Brown have received notice from landlord Bath and North East Somerset Council that the premises must shut on Monday (September 29) unless it repays a "substantial proportion of outstanding rent".
A statement from the establishment said: "The couple has asked for a repayment plan, given dire trading conditions over the long hot summer which saw very few shoppers on Broad Street. However the council's response was a 'pay up or close on Monday 29th' threat.
"Ironically the shop celebrated four years' trading this month and has three times received a gold award at Bath in Bloom. Many locals and tourists comment on how attractive the store is, with its profusion of beautiful plants including a colourful pavement display. It is widely regarded as one of the most attractive units in a city which is fast becoming familiar with empty units."
Ms Taylor and Mr Brown revealed that Broad Street had earned the moniker "Grim Street" owing to insufficient footfall, which they have consistently attributed to inadequate signage compared to other areas of the city centre.
Nevertheless, the duo noted that sluggish summer trading is characteristic of the season, with business typically recovering towards Christmas and continuing through Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and Easter.
Mark Elliott, the council's cabinet member for resources, said: "We are unable to comment on individual cases, but can confirm we only consider moving to enforcement action after a long period of time, discussion, negotiation and all avenues have been exhausted. We have a responsibility to our residents to ensure we collect all moneys owed to the council whether by an individual or a business."
