A catering business running a café that employs 15 people at the new riverside venue in Newtown is set to leave after less than eight months since it opened.

Open Newtown which owns the Hafan yr Afon building announced on Tuesday (April 18) that the Bubbling Stove Bistro will close for the final time on Saturday, May 6, owing to a “combination of rising food costs and the current financial situation”.

It is understood that catering will now be supplied in-house.

Owner and award-winning chef Seren Charrington-Hollins secured the catering franchise, creating 15 full and part-time jobs at Hafan yr Afon which opened in October last year.

“Since commencing trading last year, the bistro had set out with the hopes and aspirations of providing a unique food offering in Newtown,” a spokesperson for Open Newtown said.

County Times: Hafan Yr Afon in NewtownHafan Yr Afon in Newtown (Image: Anwen Parry/Powys County Times)

“The bistro's daily changing menu, featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, as well as artisan products, was well received by many, with homemade cakes and daily baked goods being particularly popular.

“Unfortunately, due to the combination of rising food costs and the current financial situation, Bubbling Stove Bistro has decided to move on to new ventures.

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“Despite this, Hafan Yr Afon is pleased to announce that it will continue to cater to locals and visitors alike, based on the positive feedback received. The building will remain open as usual, and all existing bookings will be accommodated.”

Open Newtown added: “Seren and her team have enjoyed working together to develop relationships with local suppliers and hope to continue doing so in the future.

“Although Bubbling Stove Bistro's time at Hafan Yr Afon is coming to an end, the bistro will forever be remembered as a beloved part of the community.”

Hafan Yr Afon was built by Open Newtown with funding from the Welsh Government, National Lottery Community Fund Wales, Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council and Powys County Council.