Tonka Bean Cafe and Bar in Wiltshire to close permanently

Abrilli Phillip opened Tonka Bean Cafe and Bar last June at the former Vaults micropub building on St Johns Street, Devizes.

The venue was inspired by Ms Phillip’s Trinidadian roots and served cocktails, coffee, and food with “a Caribbean twist and a little difference".

But on Saturday, May 25, the cafe will close its doors to the public for the final time ahead of a goodbye party, by invitation only, the following day.

READ MORE: Tonka Bean Cafe and Bar opens in Devizes town centre

Inside Tonka Bean Cafe and Bar (Image: Newsquest)

Abrilli said she had made the “sad” decision due to a lack of consistent trade and “astronomical” energy bills.

She said: “I just wasn’t paying for itself, it was too inconsistent because we would have good months and bad months.

“That just wasn’t sustainable, it’s a shame because there were some die-hard supporters who would show up every day or week.

“People are struggling now and going for a coffee is a treat rather than a regular thing and where we are didn’t help because we’re not central.

“Our electricity bills didn’t help, my energy bills were extraordinarily high and that was the last straw.”

Despite Tonka Bean’s time in the town coming to a close, Ms Phillip said she is proud she was able to bring something fresh to Devizes over the last 11 months.

She added: “This was my first business venture and I took a risk which I don’t regret because I set something up that I’m very proud of.

“I had the best staff, the food we created brought a new exciting taste to Devizes, we got the best feedback on our coffee and brought different vibes.

“I’m sad but I’m really happy and humbled, and maybe in a few years I’ll do something like this again.”

Inside Tonka Bean Cafe and Bar (Image: Newsquest)

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The cafe built up a supportive following during its time in St Johns Street, and the announcement was met with sadness from many residents on social media.

Ms Phillip is hopeful the building will soon be taken over and has encouraged customers to support the next occupant and other independent businesses in Devizes.

“I just hope somebody takes on the building because it’s beautiful and I wouldn’t want to see it empty again”, she said.

“If somebody comes in, I hope they get similar or better support because they would need that regular clientele.

“I always support the other local business in town, we all have to continue to come along and do that.”