AN iconic seafront cafe is under threat as bosses prepare for running costs to hit £120,000 amid the energy crisis.

The Three Shells, near Adventure Island and Sands by the Sea, has been a mainstay on Southend seafront sine the 1980s.

But bosses fear rising costs could mean it would be forced to fork out £120,000 a year to run the restaurant and takeaway.

It comes as the cost of chips could rise after suppliers warned the numerous heatwaves this summer has hit UK potato crops.

Experts have warned the British staple could rise in price as early as September, in just a week’s time.

The café, is run by Stockvale Group, which also manages Adventure Island and Sea Life Adventure in addition to Sands by the Sea.

Executive chairman, Philip Miller MBE said: “Of course we are worried we sell tons of chips all year round.

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“Running our shops has not been easy these last few years certainly not a job for the beginner.

“The Three Shells is under threat of being mothballed due to ever increasing energy costs.

“For instance the cost of running The Three Shells has gone from £12,000 a year two years ago to £32,000 this year and we are looking at the cost being £120,000 from September onwards that’s without the potato increase.”

Mr Miller says customers are stretched and high costs could put them off.

He added: “I don’t believe our customers can afford too much more if the truth be known.

“We have been extra busy through discounting to our loyal annual pass customers which has kept the wolf from the door so far, margins are thin as it is.

“Businesses are creaking with spiralling labour costs etc there comes a breaking point which is creeping up day by day.”

Suppliers are warning from current prices businesses are probably looking at a 20 per cent increase in costs.

Dureli Recai, 52, manager at Henry Higgins Fish Bar, in Westcliff, said: “I saw about it in the news and called my supplier who said it doesn’t look good at all.

I think we will have to put our prices up but the customers can’t afford it.

“Some customers we are seeing less and less of and others don’t come in at all now. It’s been very hard and I’ve heard lots of chip shops are shutting down and I think we will see more of that too.”