Operators of Britain’s Southernmost Cafe Depart After Three Decades

The family responsible for establishing and operating mainland Britain’s southernmost cafe has relinquished its lease following three decades of service. Polpeor Cafe, situated at Polpeor Cove on Cornwall’s Lizard peninsula, commenced operations in 1994 and has been managed by Peter Hendy and his relatives throughout its existence. A petition advocating for the retention of current staff and the continued operation of the cafe has garnered over 1,600 signatures to date. The National Trust, proprietor of the location, expressed gratitude to the family and stated its intention to “take time to consider options for the site”. Reflecting on his tenure at the scenic lookout overlooking the sea, Mr. Hendy, aged 73, remarked: “You never know what you’re going to see.” He continued, “We’ve had the Fastnet race go past, the sea life, the seals, the basking sharks, whales and dolphins and the choughs of course – the original pair actually nested just over there.” Mr. Hendy added, “Thirty years is a long time to work in one spot, but what an iconic spot. It’s an office that anyone would die for really.” The petition urges the National Trust to “keep Polpeor Cafe operational, maintain the lease themselves, thereby securing the employment of the current staff”. It further states: “Peter did a fantastic job for 30 years but I just want it to stay the same and I’d hate it to be the same as all the National Trust cafes… hopefully not change it too much.” The National Trust verified that the tenants had “decided they wish to end their tenancy”. In an official statement, the trust declared: “The family who have successfully run the cafe for over 30 years will be greatly missed and the National Trust wishes to extend their thanks and best wishes for their future.” The trust intends to dedicate time to evaluating prospective options for the location, though it anticipates the site will continue to function as a cafe. Tasha Williams, who was a teenager at the time, was employed at the cafe approximately 30 years ago, shortly after its establishment. She commented: “I worked for five seasons” Williams added, “They’re such a lovely family and now my 14-year-old daughter works there.” She concluded, “It’s really lovely that I was here at the beginning and she was here at the end.”