The Llandudno-based centre will take over the reins at Oriel Mon cafe in Llangefni on April 1 as part of fundraising plans to open a new Hospice in Holyhead later this year.
Renamed Cafe Dewi, the venue is based in the Oriel Ynys Mon gallery – which welcomed more than 100,000 visitors last year – and can cater for up to 100 customers inside and outdoors.
Home to a collection of works from renowned artist Sir Kyffin Williams, it is widely recognised as the main hub for culture, history and art on Anglesey.
Trystan Pritchard, chief executive of St David’s Hospice, said they were honoured to be selected to take the cafe forward and further increase their presence in north west Wales.
“All profits will be reinvested into providing improved hospice services for people on Anglesey, so this is a very exciting and crucial venture for us,” said Mr Pritchard.
“We are delighted to have been selected to run the café, it has a fantastic reputation and we plan to build on that, retaining the existing staff and continuing the high standards both regular customers and tourists have become accustomed to.”
He added: “This will be a great addition to Cafe Dewi at the hospice in Llandudno and we look forward to getting started.”
Last year, St David’s Hospice achieved more than £1million income from their charity shops for the very first time, and Mr Pritchard and the Hospice Board shared a clear vision to put an end to the postcode lottery which means that some people in areas of Gwynedd and Anglesey cannot access inpatient hospice care.
Jim Jones, Managing Director of North Wales Tourism, praised the Hospice for being forward-thinking in combining a commercial strategy with first-class support for patients, families and the wider community.
“I think it’s such a great and bold move for St David’s Hospice to take on the running of the cafe at Oriel Ynys Môn, one of Anglesey’s top visitor attractions,” said Mr Jones.
“By taking on the cafe they have secured the jobs of the team who work there, and at the same time they will generate vital extra income for the hospice and visitors, who will have an opportunity to learn about their valuable work providing the highest quality end-of-life care here in North Wales.”
Oriel Ynys Mon Senior Manager Esther Roberts thanked outgoing café operator Gwenan Roberts and urged visitors to be patients during the changeover as the venue undergoes a revamp.
“We’re looking forward to working with the team from St David’s Hospice who are enthusiastic and passionate about producing high quality food using as many local, Anglesey ingredients as possible,” she said.
“Food will be fresh, homemade, and served with a welcoming smile.”
She added: “While we transition from one café operator to the next, visitors to the Oriel may experience a limited menu for a few days. We need to paint and clean the café area and kitchen as well as arranging training for the café staff.
“I would like to thank Gwenan Rowlands, of Blas Mwy who will be leaving the café when the current catering contract finishes on March 31. Gwenan and her team have been welcoming visitors with freshly prepared food for a number of years, having successfully bid for the contract in 2006 and 2012. I’m pleased that a number of Gwenan’s team will be staying on at the café and wish Gwenan all the best in her next venture.”
As part of the contract, St David’s Hospice will also provide refreshments for those who use Oriel Môn as a venue for business meetings, functions and conferences.
