A cafe on the verge of closure two months ago is now optimistic about the future after cutting its energy bill by 50pc.

Station Bistro was battling to survive after being locked into a gas and electricity contract that saw its bills rise from £2,200 a month in August to £4,500 at the end of the year. 

Brendan Gray, owner of the Wymondham cafe, said in December that he did not think the costs were "sustainable" and he feared that he would have to close his business. 

After local interest in his situation, his energy supplier relented and allowed him out of the contract.

Eastern Daily Press: The cafe has enjoyed a better than expected JanuaryThe cafe has enjoyed a better than expected January (Image: Station Bistro)

This has enabled Mr Gray to sign up with a new supplier and see his energy bills cut by about 50pc.

"Although I haven't had a bill yet I'm estimating that it will save me roughly £2,500 a month," said Mr Gray.    

He added that he no longer fears having to shut his business and is now "optimistic about the future" despite the "turbulent times ahead due to the cost of living crisis". 

Station Bistro, which was named the best cafe in Norfolk last summer, gets about 500 customers a week on average. 

Mr Gray revealed that January had been "a lot busier than we expected". 

"People had been concerned after reports about our situation came out," he said. 

"We had nice feedback. 

"Customers said that they don't want to lose the cafe."

Mr Gray took over the business in February 2020, just before the first Covid lockdown. 

Eastern Daily Press: Brendan Gray took over the cafe in February 2020Brendan Gray took over the cafe in February 2020 (Image: Daniel Moxon)

"It was a dream turned into a nightmare," he said.

"It has been extremely tough.

"Selling takeaways during the pandemic really helped as it enabled us to build up the business and gain loyal customers.

"The support we get from the local community makes all the challenges worthwhile."