A much loved cycle cafe in Tooting is devastated to be closing tomorrow, due to rent hikes.

Pedal Back Cafe, in Broadway Market, has been a staple in the market for four years. But the owners have taken the tough decision to close after they said their landlords increased their rent by 130 per cent.

They will officially close their doors on Saturday, January 26, and move their stock to their pop-up store in West Brompton while deciding the next steps.

Nicky Redford, one of the founders of the cafe, said: "Our rent has been going up each year but this year the price increase is forcing us to close.

"We tried to renegotiate but the lowest the landlords would go is a 100 per cent price increase, we just can't afford it.

"It seems every time a new vendor comes in, they can offer more money and then everyone's rent goes up.

"When we first came to the market, it was hard. The market was dilapidated and run down.

"People never really came in because of the smell and general dirtiness. We had to cope with that for two years.

"Since the market has become more popular, more people have been interested in renting here. But a lot of these are catered for night time entertainment, so bars and restaurants.

"People come to markets to buy things they can't get in shops, there needs to be a balance.

"The food stall culture has revitalised the markets but there needs to be a balance. Broadway Market has lost some of its authenticity."

Nicky and the team have spoken to Tooting Market about the possibility of moving there but there is not any space at the moment.

The Pedal Back Cafe team wanted to thank all the customers who have supported them over the last four year and since the closure announcement, they have been overwhelmed by the support.