RISING costs and reduced funding have forced La Hougue Bie tea rooms to close, the charity which runs the facility has announced.
Beresford Street Kitchen – which provides opportunities for individuals with autism and learning disabilities – said on Friday it was closing the tea rooms it took over four years ago “to contribute to the sustainability of the charity”.
The announcement follows the closure of the Jersey Recovery College earlier this month, and fears for the future of the third sector expressed by the Association of Jersey Charities.
Beresford Street Kitchen chief executive Gabby Ellmers said: “Like many charities, Beresford Street Kitchen has been significantly impacted by increased costs and reduced funding.
“We are also struggling with the rising cost of sales and reducing profits in our social enterprise areas and have taken the decision to close La Hougue Bie tea rooms ahead of the winter low season. Due to recent changes within the team, we are delighted that all crew and staff will be coming back to Beresford Street Kitchen after the closure.”
She added that they remained committed to their core objectives and to re-invigorating their town café.
“We are optimistic that once we navigate through these challenging times, we can continue to develop our valuable programmes to support people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people to reach their independence and employability goals,” she said
