Home   News   Article

Temporary unit will replace popular cafe at Highcliffe Castle this spring




RESIDENTS have been angered by an announcement from BCP Council that it intends to replace Highcliffe Castle’s tearooms with a temporary unit until the summer.

It will be sited next to the cafe building and offer a menu including hot drinks, sandwiches, cakes and ice cream.

There was unhappiness when it was recently announced that the tearooms were to shut for several months while its future was considered by BCP Council.

Highcliffe tea room as it was before it was closed (61570557)
Highcliffe tea room as it was before it was closed (61570557)

The tender document issued by BCP Council to find a provider says the unit will “bridge the gap”. A decision will be made later.

Highcliffe Residents’ Association and Cllr Andy Martin, of the Christchurch Independents, protested about the move, fearing that the closure of the cafe could become permanent.

They were also angry about the loss of money from the popular venue during the spring months.

Cllr Martin described BCP Council’s latest plan as a “total let down”.

Highcliffe Castle
Highcliffe Castle

He said: “Residents and visitors expect, and should be provided with, proper refreshment facilities at Highcliffe Castle. A [unit] is a huge disappointment and totally unsatisfactory.

“What it needs is for a good local business with good local suppliers to take over the cafe and run it properly, offering the kind of service people expect at such a fantastic place as the castle.”

The tearooms were previously run by catering company Aramark, which had the lease since 2017.

But it had to hand the keys back in April because it was not making money.

The unit will be open seven days a week from 12th February until 3rd September from 10am until 4pm. There will be scope to extend the hours during school holidays and peak summer months.

BCP Council said the catering van has to provide “freshly made barista coffee, cold drinks, sandwiches, paninis and soup”.

There must also be options for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. Seasonal dishes should also figure on the menu “where appropriate”.

Cakes and pastries are to be available along with a kids’ menu and ice cream.

A BCP Council spokesperson told the A&T: “The castle team is currently tendering for a temporary offer for the spring, with the successful caterer on site as of mid-February.

“We are also taking forward a tender process for a long-term operator for Highcliffe Castle tearooms and will be engaging with the market as this develops.”

Tenders are invited to BCP Council with the price of the café costing £175 plus VAT a week. If sales go over £2,000 on one day there is further commission to pay of an additional 15%.

Invoices will be issued by BCP monthly for the pitch fees and payment is to be made within 14 days.

The catering provider must have public liability insurance up to £10m for each incident. They will also have to undergo a risk assessment and possess a food hygiene certificate.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More