It could be Fermain Cafe leaseholder’s last summer

But this could be Belmiro de Freitas’ last summer.

The States-owned site went up for rent on Watts Property Consultants on Thursday, with suggestions that the site could could be expanded to three storeys.

‘The cafe and the valley, they are like a little diamond, and if you polish it too much it loses its sparkle,’ said Mr de Freitas, who has run the cafe for 21 years. His lease expires in October.

The site is being offered to prospective new leaseholders, as a ‘hospitality opportunity with development potential’.

‘It’s a commercial decision from the States, they own the site and the lease is up,’ he said.

‘We don’t know how a three-storey establishment would work here, but if they want something different that is up to them.’

Mr de Freitas confirmed he would be applying for his business to continue renting the property, but if it was to be his last summer in the valley he would accept it.

‘But we wouldn’t look to develop it because with the infrastructure like the road and the parking I don’t think it’s viable,’ he said.

‘If they say no then it is out of my hands.

‘I have been in hospitality for 30 years, and if they say ‘no more’ I will walk away from the sector.

‘We have been very successful, it is so beautiful here. It was just a public toilet when we took it over. We have invested time and love in making it what it is.’

Over the years that Mr de Freitas has been running the cafe he says it has become an important part of the local community.

‘It’s so lovely to see all our regular customers and the student staff we have had return and pop in to say hi, some of them now are doctors and lawyers,’ he said.

He added that he felt the area was an important site for Guernsey as almost every visitor to the island came down to the beach.

‘The States have used us as an example to other kiosks to show what could be done, what other kiosk can give you champagne and scallops?’ He said.

‘I think it has been a flagship for Guernsey for many years.’

The site was named the second best cafe in the world by the Guardian in 2007.

A sunny Friday afternoon yesterday had brought islanders to the beach and the general consensus was that the area could not sustain over-development.

‘I think it needs to stay as it is,’ said Charlotte Froome.

‘I think it would take the magic away if it was a big place with a massive car park.’

Another diner who swam at the bay every morning said he thought that the unique quality of the valley should be safeguarded.

‘I love the ambience you have already,’ he said. ‘I support the sole trader, the energy that makes it special comes from the owner. You are only going to get a soulless big commercial enterprise looking at developing it. If you spend that much it is going to be reflected in the prices.’

Sophie Le Lievre however disagreed.

‘I like it as it is now but on popular days in the summer it could do with being bigger,’ she said.

‘Even without infrastructure changes I think enough people would still come as there is an excellent bus service.’

Watts Property Consultants are marketing the property on behalf of the States with expressions of interest asked to be submitted by 17 May.