The traditional beach kiosk is a summertime staple across the Channel Islands, and if you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to run one, now’s your chance to find out.
The States of Guernsey Property Services, which leases 19 kiosks across the island, is currently seeking tenders from anyone interested in running a kiosk at Cobo Bay.
L’Estrainfer Kiosk, which sits at the western end of the beach, is available for a fixed period of three years, in line with the standard terms for Property Services’ concession agreements.
‘Our coastal kiosks offer a unique and valuable service in key locations around the island. The kiosks can be operated year round with the primary period between Good Friday and 30 September in each year,’ said Mark Ogier, Head of Estates Strategy.
While selling ice-cream to happy punters in one of Guernsey’s most stunning seaside locations might sound like an ideal job, beach bums need not apply. Running a successful kiosk requires hard work and dedication, as Mim Sarre of Mim’s Island View Kiosk at The Bathing Pools can testify.
‘It can get so busy – much busier than I anticipated. It’s a lot of hard work and it’s long hours. You need to be very organised. You can sell a serious amount of product in one day, so you really need to keep on top of stock,’ said Mim, who has run her kiosk for seven months and is, unusually, open throughout the year.
‘It’s the kind of job that would suit a happy-go-lucky person who isn’t afraid of hard graft. You have to be adaptable, too.’
While working as a financial analyst in London, Mim also ran a pub and restaurant. This hospitality experience has proved useful in her new venture as a kiosk owner.
‘I saw the kiosk empty and thought, I’m used to running a business, I can turn my hand to this. Running a kiosk throughout winter has its challenges. I’m not on a through road, people don’t drive past so I’ve got to get people to come to me. Serving up good food and earning a good reputation is vital because word of mouth is everything,’ she said.
‘But I love it. I never have a bad day at the office and I never dread a Monday morning. Working here is an absolute pleasure, even in the rain.’
For further information about the tender for L’Estrainfer Kiosk contact Emma Shearer on 01481 717376.
