Cafe saved from closure by last-minute buyer

ONE of Plymouth’s most popular cafes has been saved after a last minute deal.

- WILLIAM TELFORD

A new owner will take over Al’s Kitchen, which has become a draw at Estover‘s Airport Business Centre after Allan Smale had to sell the business due to ill health.

Mr Smale, who opened the eatery a decade ago, suffered a debilitating stroke on Christmas Day 2023, meaning he was unable to work at his cafe since then. His world was also rocked by the loss of his mother, Sylvia Smale, who died early last month at the age of 79.

She worked part-time in Al’s Kitchen and was popular with its regulars. Mr Smale had already put the business on the market, but suffered a set-back when an offer to buy it fell through at the last minute in mid-June.

Fortunately, another buyer emerged at the 11th hour and a deal was inked which means the cafe will remain open and two of his three staff will retain their jobs. The third member was leaving anyway “to do her own thing”.