A popular Nottingham sandwich bar operating from a historic former toll house beside the Wilford tram bridge has been put up for sale following the death of the owner’s husband in July.
Sarah Magana has announced that she is unable to continue running the business following the sudden death of her husband, Rigo, during the summer.
However, she has reassured customers that the café, which occupies one of Nottingham’s more unusual premises on Victoria Embankment, will remain open while a buyer is sought.
In a message to customers, Sarah said: “I just wanted to let you know that I am unable to carry the business on for various reasons, following Rigo’s passing.
“But we will stay open and the cafe is for sale.
“It is listed with EllisBTA and any enquiries should be directed to them and not staff.
“Thank you for your continued support.”
The sandwich bar, which has been trading for more than 25 years, is housed in the former Wilford Bridge Toll House on the Meadows side of the River Trent.
The distinctive red-brick building stands at the entrance to Wilford Toll Bridge, now used by Nottingham Express Transit trams, pedestrians and cyclists.
The Grade II-listed toll house dates from 1870 and was designed by architect E W Hughes. It still retains a historic sign setting out the charges once paid by people, animals and vehicles crossing the River Trent.
The bridge, historically known as the Halfpenny Bridge, opened in June 1870 and was originally built to provide a crossing between the Meadows and Wilford.
It closed to road traffic in 1974 after structural problems were identified, before reopening as a pedestrian and cycle crossing following the replacement of its central span.
The bridge was subsequently widened and strengthened to accommodate Nottingham’s tram network, with trams beginning to use the crossing in 2015.
The business is being marketed by EllisBTA for £49,995 on a leasehold basis.
The agents describe it as a long-established sandwich shop benefiting from passing trade and regular customers, with a reputation for friendly service, food quality and value for money.
The sale listing states that a new lease will be made available, subject to satisfactory references.
Customers can continue visiting the café while the business is on the market, with all sale enquiries being handled by EllisBTA rather than café staff.
