Ben Hall, pictured, and his wife, Cait McMahon opened their unique rice wine tasting bar and retail spot in September 2024. Mr Hall had spent lockdown developing his love and knowledge for the drink, by becoming a certified sake sommelier and left his job in accountancy to pursue the couple’s dream of bringing the Eastern taste of sake to Guernsey. But earlier this week, they announced on social media that their corner business will close for the last time on 15 August.
‘It’s been a very tough decision, and one that’s been a long time in the making,’ said Mr Hall.
‘We’re really pleased with the reception that we’ve had in the area, from locals and visitors coming in and learning about the product, possibly discovering a new drink of interest. However, we had financial targets that we just haven’t quite met, and it’s with a very heavy heart that we’ve decided to step back from the physical location in Trinity Square.’
Tokkuri will continue running its online store, private hire events and as a local wholesaler.
Mr Hall said he had spoken to other outlets in his sector about their trading experience. ‘The consensus from 100% of those business were “this is hard”,’ he said.
‘Running a hospitality business at the moment is very difficult for everyone, and to even have lasted for the short period of time that we were able to was some sort of success in itself. Hospitality is really struggling, both in the UK and in Guernsey. We will continue to support our friends and our partners in this industry, and hope that Guernsey residents will continue to as well.’
The news of the bar’s closure came just one day after Arcade bookshop Writer’s Block revealed that it will close at the end of the year.
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