Lifeline Sutton cafe providing employment opportunities for vulnerable people set to close

Rumbles Community Cafe in Sutton Lawn run by Rumbles Catering Project has been serving the community for more than 18 years but will officially close on October 31 – with the onsite kitchen set to close its doors to the public on July 24 at close of business.

Financial strain due to an ongoing dispute with Ashfield District Council regarding lease negotiations has been blamed for the closure.

The move comes just weeks after staff told the Chad the facility was “struggling” and experiencing the worst financial strain since it opened.

The facility provides work for people with learning disabilities and training for some of the most vulnerable members of society, teaching them essential life skills.

Ashfield District Council confirmed it already had contact from “other organisations who are interested in running this important facility.”

A post on the cafe’s Facebook page states: “It is with deep regret that the Board of Trustees and the Charity Manager of Rumbles Catering Project announce the upcoming closure of the Sutton Lawn Café, effective 31 October 2026. Ahead of the final closure, the onsite kitchen will cease operations on Friday, 24th of July 2026 at close of business.

“This incredibly difficult decision has been forced by an ongoing dispute with Ashfield District Council alongside the severe financial strain it has placed on the site.

“Additionally, historical management decisions have further contributed to the site's current unsustainable position. Despite the best efforts of our current team to navigate these challenges, the financial impact has left the Board with no viable alternative but to close the facility.

“We understand this news will be disappointing to the many people who visit and rely on the café. The Board of Trustees, The Charity Manager and all of the staff at Rumbles would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the public, our loyal customers, and the local community for your immense support over the years.”

The charity had paid a peppercorn rent to the council for its lease but negotiations to extend the lease at an affordable rate had hit several stumbling blocks over the past few years.

Reacting to the closure on social media Sky Turner posted: I am so gutted I loved it and being a employee is awesome.”

Wendy Booth added: “Oh no I’m shocked I thought they agreed to let you carry on . So upset for all the staff , so thank you for fulfilling our lives . We’ll miss you all.”

Caroline Jones posted: “It’s a disgrace I’m so sorry to read this will miss your lovely cafe as will so many others.”

A spokesman for Ashfield District Council said: “The Council has been engaged in constructive discussions with the trustees of Rumbles Café for some time, both the new trustees and the former ones. Other than their posts on social media, we have had no formal notification from the café of their intentions. However, should the current occupants choose to leave, we have already had contact from other organisations who are interested in running this important facility in one of our much-loved parks.”

Rumbles Catering Project also runs cafe’s in Clipstone and Newark to train and educate young people and adults in Nottinghamshire, who are disadvantaged whether by disability, social or economic circumstances.

The scheme offers a catering and life skills training programme which helps students make the leap from education to employment or voluntary service and independent living. Students can also progress on nationally recognised courses in catering, customer service and hospitality.