Copyright jerseyeveningpost
ANYONE who has visited Gorey in the past 20 years will be familiar with Rhona Hewitt and her beach hut. Whether its a bacon butty, a hot coffee or one of her famous fish finger sandwichers, Rhona has been serving hungry Islanders who find themselves out east for decades. But she has decided it is time to step back and sell the kiosk at the slip after a cancer diagnosis 18 months ago prompted her to focus on a simpler and more relaxed lifestyle. Through her hearty fish finger sandwiches, Rhona has raised tens of thousands for charities close to her heart, each year choosing a different charity to donate the proceeds of her signature dish to. This initiative began after the loss of her nephew leading Rhona to start fundraising for Jersey Recovery College. This year, her charity of choice has been Enable Jersey. She has also hosted ‘coffee and cake’ mornings for Macmillan, taking in cake donations from generous people and baking herself, with all proceeds made going to Macmillan. In 2023, Ms Hewitt was also named Community Champion of the Year at the Pride of Jersey awards for her impact on the community and tireless work. She was also a finalist in the 2024 Pride of Britain awards. When asked what her fondest memory of running the beachside kiosk was, Rhona said: “There are so many – a whole twenty years. But for me, it was being part of that community and raising £60,000 for charity already. This last year has been one of the best. “Since cancer I have learnt to focus on myself and enjoy my own time, cuddled up with the cat at home.” In August, Rhona celebrated the kiosk’s 20th anniversary. Rhona added that has twice been asked for one of her crab sandwiches to be “someone’s last food request”. “I really hope for someone to keep this community going.” The beachside cafe is now up for sale, and any islanders interested are encouraged to email businessforsale2025@yahoo.com.
