The people of Tavistock have rallied round workers made redundant after a major Tavistock employer went bust this week with the loss of all jobs.

The Pasty House has shut its doors for good in Tavistock and Plymouth, with residents taking to social media to express their shock.

The Tavistock premises of the takeaway and eat in restaurant had a major refurbishment over last winter and reopened in January this year.

This paper understands that staff were all told on Wednesday (November 5) night on a video call that they had lost their jobs. It is understood that 56 jobs have been lost. The next day the West Street shop and restaurant was shut up and removals staff stripped it off catering appliances.

Now kind-hearted Rhys Mortimer has appealed to the good nature of locals to support his jobless former Original Pasty House colleagues.

Rhys, who spent four years working at The Original Pasty House, before leaving in August, has launched a GoFundMe for his friends and ex-workmates: “Since the closure of the Pasty House is all anyone can talk about at the moment, I've decided to try and do something to help. I've set up a GoFundMe to raise money for all the staff that have been made redundant just 7 weeks before Christmas.

“There are 35,000 members in this group, so just a tiny amount per person could raise a huge amount of money to be split between the staff. When we all come together we can truly make a positive difference. So those of you that can, get donating and everyone get sharing. These are my friends and ex-colleagues and seeing them treated like this is terrible.”

The appeal has so far raised nearly £400 towards a £3,500 target. Donations are welcome at this link:

Staff and friends shared the news through social media.

One woman said on social media: “I’m sorry for all the staff and I hope something works out for them all, but I will say this is why I always shop at local mom and pop places like the King’s Bakery. They are way better than the junk they provided at The Pasty House. I had one look and I knew they were doomed. It is a dog eat dog world out there.”

The Pasty House was run by Janet and Nigel Eadie for many years before they sold the business to Emma Hookway, who already ran an award-winning delicatessen in Crediton, in the spring of 2023.

Companies House lists The Original Pasty House as an active company, with one person listed as in charge, Alexander John Fraser of Brentor.

Tavistock Town Council deputy mayor Cllr Jeff Moody said: “It is very sad news that The Pasty House in Tavistock has closed. It will be a real loss for the town and another blow to our high street.

“As deputy mayor of Tavistock, I send my best wishes to the owners and staff. I’m thinking of everyone affected and recognise the hard work they have put into the business. I do hope the staff are able to find new jobs locally.

“The loss of another business is a reminder of how important it is to support our high street and the people who keep it going. I hope the premises can be occupied again soon.”