LES Sablons Tea Garden and Cafe will close at the end of the month after more than 30 years of trading. Eric Ozanne started the business out of his home at L’Eree, which adjoins the Colin Best Nature Reserve, in 1976.

He opened with just four tables, but his no-nonsense and good-value attitude to catering was an instant hit and soon he was able to expand.

Over the years he has knocked through internal walls as the cafe took over more of the house.

In 2002, aged 65, he made the decision to step down from the day-to-day management.

His son, David, took over after moving back to the island with wife Emma, and son Jack.

Mr Ozanne snr has remained actively involved and works every day in the kitchen.

The Ozannes claim the family-run nature of the business was central to its success.

Mr Ozanne jnr’s sister, Pat Robilliard, has worked there for 15 years and his auntie, Pauline Board, has made the cakes for many years.

Two other staff, Pat Perowne and Maurine Guillot, have been there for 20 years and Mr Ozanne jnr said they were as good as family.

But when he made the decision to return to the UK, the family decided there was no one suitable to carry on the business in the right way.

‘Our service has always been popular as we offer no-thrills, good food at very reasonable prices,’ said Mr Ozanne jnr.

‘We have never felt the need to make things too fancy, both in terms of the food or the decor, and that has kept the prices down. We are not pub grub, restaurant or greasy spoon but something in the middle. It is a winning combination which a lot of people seem to want.’

He said the business had always relied on a loyal local customer base which kept them open and busy throughout the winter.

And tourists meant that the business boomed in the summer months with the tourists.

‘We have customers coming from all over the island and they seem to recommend us to visitors.’

But he said it had been impossible to find someone to carry on as they wished.

‘If they brought in new decor or a different menu it would change the character of the place and presumably whack up the prices to pay for it.

Mr Ozanne snr was a mechanic working at Duques before he left to set up the cafe. His son said he had no idea what brought about the career change, but his father never looked back.

Mr Ozanne jnr previously worked for Bristol City Council before coming back to take over the business.

He said he had thoroughly enjoyed his time at the helm, but it was time for a quieter life.

He works every day, amounting to 60-hour weeks and gets no holiday. ‘My son is now seven and I hardly get to spend any time with him.’

When the business closes, he will return to Bristol a week later.

‘I am excited to be moving back, but it is sad to be closing Les Sablons. It truly is an end of an era for the family.’