IF the appeal to save The Witham ends in success, trustees and senior staff are to look into changing the ground floor layout in an effort to boost food and beverage takings.
Officials accept that the current arrangements, with the cafe tucked away under the stairs near the entrance to the auditorium and rear exit, are unacceptable.
Interim director Shelagh Avery admitted: “The actual physical layout does nothing to help customers or staff.
“There is no scope to increase the menu due to the lack of a kitchen, no matter how creative staff might be.”
Ms Avery said if there was any consideration of redevelopment, then certainly changing the layout and adding a proper kitchen would form part of the plans.
“If we get through this period, there should be a reconsideration of the ground floor, including the gallery space, visitor information centre and cafe to make it a more conducive environment.”
Ms Avery said she was convinced that moving the cafe and adding a kitchen would still leave space for a gallery.
Relocating the cafe would also allow the introduction of a proper bar which would open before, during and after live performances.
In the short term, a lunchtime discount scheme is being introduced offering £1 off the special of the day from Tuesdays to Fridays between 11.30am and 2.30pm.
“The cafe clientele is really unpredictable. This is about trying to get people to come into The Witham and hope they spend slightly more than they would on a cup of tea,” added Ms Avery.
l Trustees of The Witham have launched an appeal to raise £30,000 in 30 days to save the complex from closure.
Anyone wishing to support the appeal can do so in a number of ways.
Donations can be made online at www.mydonte.com /charities/thewitham.
Contributions can also be made via BACS to Barclays Bank, sort code 20-45-45 acct 40524050.
Alternatively, cheques can be made payable to The Witham Hall Ltd.
UK taxpayers can Gift Aid their donation, which increases the value of the contribution by 25 per cent.
Anyone requiring further information about the appeal or making a donation can contact Shelagh Avery at The Witham on 01833 631107.
