Guernsey Press

Petit Bot Tearooms closed ‘because of activity groups’

THE owner of Petit Bot Tearooms said he has not been able to open this year because of problems with activity groups that use the area.

Published
Petit Bot Tea Rooms. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 25074816)

While the kiosk and the toilets are open, the upper floor facility is closed and staff are currently employed elsewhere.

The owner, who did not wish to be named, said customers had frequently complained about kayakers or coasteerers changing in the road or on the tearoom property when they could do so on the beach.

Many who had enjoyed eating in the relaxed and tranquil al fresco atmosphere said it had now been spoiled.

The tearoom owner said problems with inappropriate and anti-social behaviour had come to a head last year.

‘Activity groups could turn up whenever they wish and our footfall would reduce by up to two-thirds when they did.

‘On those days we lost considerable custom and ended up having to dump unsold food. Staffing and energy costs are considerable for a kitchen capable of serving more than 200 people.’

A previous tenant who had run the tearoom successfully for eight years had gone out of business due to the negative effect of activity groups.

He had initially embraced the idea and had let them use the garden.

He said he hoped a resolution could be reached and that a venue could be found for the group but it was not at Petit Bot.

A spokesman for Agriculture, Countryside & Land Management Services said permission had been given to two businesses to use specified areas at Petit Bot which were owned by the States. This enabled the operators to exercise a trade or business from that land.

AC&LMS continued to work closely with operators and conservation organisations to develop an outdoor charter.

Under the charter, commercial groups would be required to meet a code of practice which would include, but not be limited to, a requirement to consider other users of the area and the protection of the natural environment.

‘For example, operators will need to ensure that nesting sea birds are not disturbed by activities,’ he said.

Director of Go-Guernsey, one of the operators, Phil Le Poidevin said he hoped the formation of a charter group would enable issues arising from the use of locations around Guernsey by all users to be sorted.

‘I hope through this ongoing work that all parties can work together for the environment and the tourist industry to make Petit Bot a wonderful and sustainable place for the public and business in the area,’ he said.

Outdoor Guernsey founder Ant Ford Parker said he was sorry to hear that the cafe would not be opening.

‘We think that a properly run facility is very important to the area and for the visitor economy,’ he said.

‘In the past for many years it was well used and we have had a good working relationship with the tenants and managers but lately it seems not to be so popular.’

Outdoor Guernsey has been running activities at Petit Bot for 12 years.

‘We pride ourselves in running well managed groups of people and providing exciting and safe activities. Petit Bot is a popular and well used place and we work closely with States departments, the douzaine and public to ensure we minimise any impact our groups have in the area.

‘We have not received any complaints nor seen any antisocial behaviour.

‘Unfortunately [the tearoom owner] has refused to engage with us to talk about his perceived problems. This is a great shame as our customers would welcome the chance to enjoy a meal or drinks after an activity. We and our customers always receive a warm welcome at other locations around the Island where local kiosk operators see the value of the increased trade.’