'Community hub' kiosk could close amid 400% rent hike

The owner of a "community hub" kiosk fears he could be forced to close amid a 400% increase in rent costs.

Raymon Daniel, who owns The Crepe & Coffee Cabin on Prince Bridge in Bristol, said his fees have risen from £1,400 to £7,000 a year and because the council failed to carry out a review in 2025, he faces 22 months of backdated payments.

Daniel said: "Nobody came [in 2025], nobody asked. It's a lot for a small business."

Bristol City Council said rent reviews are "understandably difficult conversations to have" and explained it has paused the review process to have further discussions with Daniel.

Customer Andy Farmer described the kiosk as a community hub, adding it was a place where everyone could still "see each other during Covid".

"We've seen Ray go through tough times, but he has built an amazing business that isn't just a coffee shop, but a place where we've built a community and friends," he said.

Daniel said it was Cushman and Wakefield - a US-based firm - who had informed him of the new rental terms on behalf of the council.

Speaking about the rent increase, he said: "I was prepared for it to go up by 10 to 25%, even 50%".

Daniel said he is now stuck in limbo and faces the prospect of paying thousands of pounds in back rent.

"We have to close down if we pay it [the back rent], we can't continue," he said.

"I have four people working in the cabin. It's going to be a very hard time for us."

Customers said they were concerned about the prospect of losing the kiosk.

Some have formed a WhatsApp group and attend most mornings for coffee.

Customer Roger Williams said: "We discuss our problems and Ray will do anything for any member for the coffee club.

"It's just the place that is typical of Bristol, where people do things for each other."

Councillor Andrew Brown, chair of the harbour committee, the council values the contribution "commercial tenants make to the economy, communities and character" of the city.

"In this particular case I have asked for officers to meet with [Daniel] to discuss the details of the rent review and concerns that are being raised.

"Rent reviews are understandably difficult conversations to have and I appreciate all those businesses who work with us to ensure our commercial estate remains competitive, especially where a unit has not had its rent reviewed over a long period of time," Brown added.

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