A cafe that was named the best in Norfolk earlier this year is battling to survive due to soaring energy bills. 

Station Bistro in Wymondham has seen its electricity and gas bills rise from £2,200 a month in August to £4,500. 

Brendan Gray, owner of the cafe, said that he doesn't think the costs are "sustainable". 

He added: "When the government support ends at the end of March and the bills increase further, I don't think we will be able to survive until next winter, we will have to close permanently."

Mr Gray has been working to reduce costs by cutting energy usage, but he believes that he would be able to cut his energy bills by 50pc if he was able to move onto a new contract. 

He is currently on a five-year contract with his energy supplier, which he entered into in February 2020. 

To leave the deal, Mr Gray has been quoted a £29,000 exit fee that he said he cannot afford.

In the summer, Station Bistro was named the best cafe in Norfolk at the public-voted Muddy Stilettos Award 2022. 

Mr Gray worked in hospitality for years before he was able to fulfil his dream of owning his own business when he took on the bistro on February 28 2020. 

The dream quickly turned into a nightmare when, less than a month later, he was forced to close due to the first lockdown.  

The cafe survived the pandemic by operating weekly takeaway burger nights. 

Although the business is planning to make further cutbacks to costs and considering closing on quieter days, Mr Gray said he is unsure if it will survive the current rising energy costs.