Charlbury Deli & Cafe

Thu 2 Oct, 10:38 (last edited on Thu 2 Oct, 10:51)

Time for a thread of our own.  I quite understand people are curious about what’s happening with the CD&C – as Oscar Wilde almost certainly didn’t say, better that you’re curious about us than ignoring us!

Things are moving fast – by Charlbury standards anyway!  The shareholders last week elected (by a large majority of those present) in principle to accept an offer from the Corner House trustees of an occupancy agreement in relation to the kitchen and Anne Downer room.  That includes a stipulation that no private profit be taken.  The Bull operators meanwhile have offered to take over our lease of the Old Bank House (a different company owns the freehold), but only if we can vacate by a date later this month (presumably so they can re-fit in time for Christmas). 

Just for the record, that is not about the Bull ‘winning’ or us ‘losing’ but is simply an understandable business approach on their part – and would relieve us of a potentially expensive repairing obligation towards the end of the lease in early 2027.

There remains a lot of work to do and some uncertainties to resolve if we are to meet the deadline.  We now have a working group – effectively an advisory board of shareholders with business experience – set up to oversee it all from our side.  Our discussions continue.  And both we and the trustees – not to mention the staff – I’m sure want to see an outcome that benefits the community more widely.

This note is to let people know of our possible move.  I will notify the shareholders and staff first once we have a final decision.  There will most likely be a wider consultation and engagement process later about our constitution and whether we should eg convert to a Community Benefit Society.  Meanwhile, don’t forget we have been and will continue to be…

                                            Community owned, Community run since 1991