A family-run cafe that has served customers in a Buckinghamshire town for nearly a century closed its doors earlier this month, but what kind of business might take its place?

Jungs café on The Broadway in Beaconsfield closed earlier this month (January 2024) after 83 years of providing baked goods and beverages to the local community.

The café’s associated bakery will continue to work with local businesses including The Crazy Bear Hotel, but owner Richard Jung told the Free Press that the closure of the café space had been a long time coming.

He added that the new owners of the site, 5-7 on The Broadway, had already “garnered interest from several parties” regarding the future of the premises though as of January 24, “no final decision had been reached”.

In its heyday, the family-run cafe also had branches in Windsor and Gerrards Cross, although they have now been sold to other owners, and Richard said: “Following the sale of the other Jungs sites in 2018, our original plan was to close (the Beaconsfield café) just before lockdown.

“However, the unforeseen impact of COVID-19, as experienced by many businesses, caused delays.”

He said the decision had been made so that the “older generation” could retire while the “younger generation” shifted its focus to the wholesale bakery business.

He also thanked all Jungs’ customers past and present for their “support throughout the many decades”.

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Whilst Richard didn’t give too much away about what the future might hold for 5-7 on The Broadway, a glance at the site’s listing on estate agent CDG’s website reveals that it will likely be filled by a new restaurant.

The listing describes the former café as “boasting an impressive double frontage and a spacious outdoor seating area”, perfect for a restaurant situated in “prime Beaconsfield, with a prominent position on the bustling High Street”.

On the Beaconsfield Now Facebook page, locals shared their sadness at the closure of the near-century-old cafe and their memories of Jungs in the years gone by, with many recalling the days when Richard’s parents Ingrid and Alli ran the business.

Pauline Coe wrote: “How sad, I first went there for a cake when I was five years old, (now) I’m 84, fancy that!” and Hilary Youens added: “So sad. This has been one of my favourite bakeries and cafes for many years.”

Martin Smith commented: “So sorry to hear this. We have been going there for coffee and toast for over 40 years, but time moves on and I wish all those concerned the best of luck for the future.”