South Yorkshire Times, November 11th 1944
British Restaurant Closing
Reduced Patronage at Conisbrough
Reasons for the closing of Conisbrough British Restaurant on November 18th, a decision taken by the British Restaurant Committee, were given by the Chairman of the committee Coun. G. Cheshire at the monthly meeting of Conisbrough U.D.C. on Wednesday, the Chairman Coun. G. Oldfield presiding.
Coun. Cheshire said when the restaurant was first opened the staff were on a part-time basis, with an increase in wage costs. The trading statement was just beginning to show a balance when, due to the opening of the schools feeding centre they lost the patronage of a number of school children, and similarly with colliery officials when the miners’ canteen was opened. Wages were ever on the increase, while public support had not been forthcoming.
The Ministry of Food had recommended increasing the cost of meals and this had been done, but at the September quarter end due to the continued decline in the number of meals served, they had a trading loss of £148 and the Ministry had recommended the closing of the restaurant forthwith.