‘Irreplaceable’ cafe forced to close after 13 years as devastated owner bemoans ‘massive blow’
A FAMILY cafe that enthralled aviation enthusiasts has been given just three months to close by a developer to build affordable homes.
Chocks Away Diner has become a "casualty" of a plan to convert Tollerton Airfield into 1,600 new homes.
The café has announced that it will shut May 10, claiming there has been no public planning hearing and more than 1000 public objections to the development.
The cafe’s owner Alison Holt opened the “beloved bakery" 13 years ago as a single mother on benefits armed with just a kettle, griddle and a small DWP grant.
Nevertheless, the quirky cafe has survived the pandemic and power cuts to become a favourite amongst aviation enthusiasts.
Perfectly situated to allow plane fans to ogle Tollerton airfields vintage plane collection taking off and landing, it has become particularly popular amongst children.
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Holt told NottinghamshireLive: "The cafe is a casualty of this. It's a massive blow.
“Even though we've been fighting against this for over a year now, it still doesn't make a lot of sense to us if I'm honest because there's no planning even been heard let alone granted."
She claimed that Vistry Homes hadn’t even bothered to reply to a petition demanding that the airfield and surrounding business’ should be able to continue to operate until planning has been decided.
“Heartbroken” and devastating the “little community” of loyal customers who have flocked to the spot over the years, Alison described how the spot had become a “destination” in itself.
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She said: “The customers we get are all so lovely because they're choosing to come.
"It's heart-breaking. It's been lovely seeing the excitement of the children.
"They're absolutely devastated. People have asked us 'Are you going to do anything else?' but it's irreplaceable.
"There's nowhere other than another airfield that would be the place for Chocks Away! It's not an ordinary cafe."
She added: "I didn't have a clue about running a business but I made it up as I went along.
"I'm happy with what I've achieved but it's gutting.
"A lot of hospitality businesses are losing their livelihoods because of the cost of living."
Her daughter Bella, who used to colour in the cafe during the school holidays as a small child, is now the assistant manager.
Her other daughter Sarah Jayne bakes the bakery's much-loved red velvet and carrot cakes.
Alison hopes there will be a massive reunion on the final day: “There's going to be a lot of tears from me and everybody else. I want to try and make it a happy affair even though it's not happy at all."
Reviewers raved about the “beautiful, tasty food” at the “smart little place, perfect if you like aviation.”
One mother of three said: “My lad loves planes so he was happy, and the well-priced burger was one of the best I’ve ever had.
“Two happy chappies, or chicky in my case.”
A Spud fan gave the cafe the highest praise: “The Chips Were AMAZING! They were the most DELICIOUS tasting chips I've ever had!
Michaella O’ven wrote: “Amazing food, lovely service & a fun place for all the family. Lovely outdoor area with kids' playpark & views of the aeroplanes! Definitely recommend!
“Also lovely vegan options including cake & cream. Yum!”
The cafe has become known as the go-to place to cater to all dietary requirements.
Alison felt it builds an inclusive community: "We were one of the first to have a vegan menu.
“We have always said what we love more than anything is a meat eater to come and bring their vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free friends and they can all sit and have a breakfast at the same table."
A wall in the cafe is adorned with children’s posters begging for their favourite spot to stay open, with slogans such as “save this amazing space,” and “save this airport.”
Alison’s daughters Bella and Sarah Jane plan to start a new online order business “Quirky Cakes” after the cafe’s forced closure and will offer plenty of gluten-free and vegan options.
Although the battle to save Chocs Away has been lost, the "furious campaigners" are continuing to save try and save the airfield.
Vistry responded: “The site at Tollerton is part of the land allocated for development and has been since 2014.
"Vistry has continued to facilitate the operation of Tollerton Airfield since it purchased the site in June 2022.
“Vistry continues to work closely with all stakeholders in connection with the Sustainable Urban Extension at Gamston, of which Tollerton Airfield forms part of.
"In particular, Vistry is working closely with the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance to maintain a safe landing site to ensure that the service can continue during the initial phase of the development.
“Vistry will continue to work alongside Rushcliffe Borough Council and has consulted widely with local community groups throughout the planning process.
"We are committed to delivering much-needed new high-quality homes for the local area, as well as new schools, community facilities, sports facilities and green spaces for local residents.
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"We estimate that some 500 direct and indirect jobs will be created during the construction stage of Vistry’s development.
“Unfortunately for Vistry to bring forward the delivery of this allocated site it is now necessary to close the Airfield."
