The much loved Roundwood Park Cafe will close its doors for the final time on Sunday with a farewell party for its owner.
Sandra Kane, has run the popular cafe in Roundwood Park for 15 years but slowing business, particularly during the winter months, building maintenance and staff costs has meant the business “is no longer viable”.
The 59-year-old, said: “I’ve been working hard trying to make ends meet but there’s a lot to do. I’m a wee bit sad to go, I have a big love for the park and for the cafe but it’s not really viable for me. I’ve tried most things to keep it going.”
The Roundwood Park building, which currently has a leaking roof, has stood for more than 100 years.
Two members of the current team of four, including Ms Kane, have worked in the cafe for 15 years.
She said: “It’s been incredibly hard going but I have loved it. Over the years we held craft fairs for kids, pop up nights with different menus, exhibitions and poetry readings, it’s been a lot of fun.
“We’re a pick up point for organic veg and we used to have monthly market, with local people selling their produce, like a mini farmers’ market.”
Speaking about the community’s reaction to the closure, Ms Kane said: “We have a broad sweep of people coming in here, from the very young, to the very old and everyone in between.
“You can have a pregnant lady coming in on Friday then back on Monday with her baby. The customers are very sad. They have arranged a small party on Sunday, it’s very sweet of them.
“You can lose sight of how valued you are. It is really lovely that the community has rallied.”
Ms Kane, a former art director for film and television, said she will “take a bit of a rest” then teach art to children.
She added: “This cafe is not like other businesses. People make you feel it’s an extension of the park. I hope someone comes in loves it and wants to do it.”
A spokeswoman for Brent Council said: “The tenant has unfortunately given notice to quit after a number of years of providing a good facility in the park and will be vacating at the end of the month.
“The property will be remarketed with the aim of securing a new operator by the Spring of 2018.”
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