Charity tea room to shut down due to financial difficulties.

A charity tea room at a heritage site is closing due to financial difficulties.

Beresford Street Kitchen (BSK), which provides employment for individuals with learning disabilities and conditions such as autism, had been operating the tea room at La Hougue Bie as part of a four-year collaboration with Jersey Heritage.

Chief Executive Gabby Ellmers assured that the tea room staff would remain employed with BSK. She explained, "Like many charities, Beresford Street Kitchen has been significantly affected by rising costs and reduced funding. We’re also facing increasing costs of sales and declining profits in our social enterprise ventures, leading to the decision to close La Hougue Bie Tea Rooms before the winter low season."

BSK announced that it would now focus its resources on its St Helier café.

Ms. Ellmers expressed optimism, stating, "We believe that once we navigate these challenging times, we can continue to develop our vital programs to support individuals with learning disabilities in achieving their independence and employability goals."