The end of a brew-tiful relationship: Mange Tout changes hands after 20 years

Wednesday 23 November 2016

Lunchtime hotspot Mange Tout has been sold by its original owners after 20 years in the role - but coffee-coddling Islanders can relax in the knowledge that their cappuccinos and ciabattas rest in the capable hands of a man with a 'latte' experience.

Darren Amy, Group Manager of Mange Tout, will officially acquire the four-store chain from founders Andrew and Abbie Hosegood in December this year.

After two decades working across cafés in Colomberie, Conway Street, Sand Street and New Street, the pair decided to sell up. "Our personal circumstances are changing - and our age - so it's time for a change," Mrs Hosegood told Express. "It needs constant energy to keep it alive, and I think you get to a point where you creatively need a new look at things - Darren's very much that."

While the 'good' fast food chain 'bites the crust', the pair will still own and look after St Ouen-based El Tico. "It's a bit of time off, but there'll be other opportunities," commented Mr Hosegood. "Doors will close and doors will open - that's the exciting thing."

This is a theme for Mr Amy too. Shortly after he split from his wife, he decided to join Mange Tout, where he has worked for four years.

A "perfect match" for the team due to his impressive culinary CV, Mr Amy brings with him a degree in catering, restaurateur and café ownership experience with Pimentos and Delish, commercial acumen from a year as Area Manager for Starbucks, and was an early beach café pioneer with Plemont Café. "He's more qualified than us!" said Mrs Hosegood.

Describing the move to acquire Mange Tout as a "natural progression", as he used to admire the chain while working on Delish, Mr Amy said that he was mostly swayed by the way "everyone works as one big family."

"The thing that I really loved when I started was the way everybody goes around and helps each other out. If a machine's broken, we'll grab a pair of pliers and get right there."

Four years later and Mr Amy now has a handle on everything, even showing shrewd business prowess in denying Mr Hosegood "free coffee for life".

While the official transfer is on 31 December, the Hosegoods will stay on as directors, with Mr Amy "looking forward" to consulting Mrs Hosegood on new flavour development. His current favourite? The pressed tomato and mozzarella ciabatta (pictured).

The only advice from Mr and Mrs Hosegood: "Keep doing what you're doing." Oh, and no coriander - the pair can't stand it. "It's banned from Mange Tout - we should have put that in the contract!"