Changes are coming for a Cornwall café with a strong local fan base as it looks to recruit a new team.
Just over three years after taking on the kitchen at CAST Cafe in Helston, its head chef Mikey Croft has been offered a new role “too good to turn down.”
As a result, the trust running the community building and arts studios in Penrose Road, where the cafe is based, is looking for a new individual or team to take over from the end of the month.
Sharing the new, CAST said: “Back in June 2020 we welcomed young artists Mikey Croft and Amy Morgan to our studios with the support of Cultivator 'Graduate Start-Up Awards’. Both took on roles at CAST Café to help support their practice.
“Mikey already had significant experience in hospitality and in August 2021 he and chef Caitlin Samsworth took over the café business from its founder Dom Bailey, while Amy stepped up as front of house manager.
“In the three years since, we've seen the café grow in ambition and reputation and had the privilege of eating some truly delicious food. So it is not surprising that Mikey has been offered a new opportunity, too good to turn down. We'll sadly be saying goodbye to him at the end of November.
“Amy is taking this chance to focus more on her studio practice and other art-related work. She will still be working in the building, but we shall miss her presence in the café.
“Although we're exceedingly sad to see Amy and Mikey and the team go, we're delighted to see them move on to new challenges.
“This also opens up an exciting opportunity for a new person or team to take on CAST Café. Interested parties with a track record of delivering delicious sustainable food should contact Teresa@castcornwall.art for more information or an informal conversation.”
Mikey and his team have also spoken about the departure and their gratitude for the support they have received.
Mikey, together with his team Amy, Charlie, Rosy, Piran and Kitty, said: “After an incredible few years of running CAST Café, it’s time for me and the team to say goodbye. Saturday 23rd November will be the last breakfast and lunch service we offer before we hang up our aprons for the last time.
“It’s been such a joy to serve this community, and Christ alive we’ll miss our amazing regulars. Your support, smiles and conversations have made every day so special and we can’t thank you enough.
“A huge thank you to our amazing team, as well as everyone that has ever worked here – without them this place wouldn’t have been the same. Their hard work, dedication and passion have helped create the warm and welcoming café we’ve all loved."
Mikey continued: “Of course I can’t go without mentioning our lovely Caitlin, who shared the load of running a hospitality business with me for the majority of our amazing time here. I’m so grateful for everything.
“This is not the end for CAST Café, just the next chapter. We look forward to seeing what comes next and hope you’ll continue to show the same love, support and loyalty you’ve shown us over the years, to whoever takes over from us.
“Of course in the meantime, there are so many incredible independent places to eat in and around Helston, full of people that work day in day out to serve up a smile to our amazing community.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of this incredible journey. It’s been a hell of a ride and we’ve enjoyed every moment.”
Anyone interested in taking over the café should email Teresa@castcornwall.art for more information or an informal conversation.
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