Final chapter for Perth Christian bookshop and café

A Perth landmark has closed its doors for the last time, ending a 27-year association with the city.

Christian bookshop and café, the Manna House, which was located in the High Street, said competition from an increasing number of city centre coffee shops was one of the reasons for the decision to quit.

The café was opened in 1990 by a group of trustees from Perth churches and was so popular in its heyday it was common to see customers queuing to get in at lunchtime.

Run by Derek Everett, 66, and his wife, Sue, the Manna House had been supported by the Faith Mission for the past eight years. However, the organisation recently decided the business was no longer viable.

Mr Everett said times had changed for the business.

“Twenty-seven years ago we had queues out the door every lunchtime,” he said.

“A man would show people to their seats and he would ask customers if they wouldn’t mind sharing a table because there wasn’t room for everyone.

“When I took over there was a coffee shop manager along with supervisors and volunteers – around 20 to 30 people involved with the place. Recently there was only a few of us trying to keep the place going and you go to every street corner and there’s a café.

“People came from all over – Aberfeldy, Pitlochry and Blairgowrie,” he added.

“It’s very sad but things move on. All bookshops are struggling but especially specialist bookshops.”

Mr Everett praised the staff and volunteers who had served in the Manna House and also the trustees for “maintaining the vision”.

The shop sold various religious books, including theologies, missionary biographies, devotional books, commentaries and Bibles. The Manna House also acted as a Christian counselling service.