Where is Sandy's Cafe? The Apprentice episode 5 replaces iconic losers' location and there's a sad reason
And what happened to La Cabana Cafe?
The Apprentice episode 5 just sent its losing team to Sandy’s Cafe, rather than the iconic, dreary Bridge Cafe – but why?
While the BBC show has made a couple of changes this year, its format remains mostly intact. Two teams go head-to-head, and while the winners get to remain in the process, the others go for a cup of tea and bicker before Lord Sugar fires at least one of them.
For years, candidates have been sent to the Bridge Cafe, which has become a reality TV landmark (like The Apprentice house).
However, in episode 5, the losers go somewhere else entirely – but there’s a simple reason.
Where is Sandy’s Cafe?
Sandy’s Cafe is located in Uxbridge; specifically, 6 Hercies Road, UB10 9NA.
It was formerly known as Lisa’s Cafe, which made a brief appearance in last year’s series of The Apprentice. It’s since changed ownership, hence the different name.
According to Diamond Geezer, the cafe’s name is a tribute to the owner’s late mother-in-law. “Good luck Jade [the owner], because you’ve probably got more entrepreneurial spirit than all the egotistical chancers who came here to dissect their failings over a cuppa,” they joked.
From its Instagram, it looks like your everyday cafe, serving up sandwiches, breakfasts, teas, coffees, and cakes. It has a perfect 5.0 rating on Trip Advisor, with reviews praising the food and “perfect atmosphere”.
Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your television news
So, don’t be fooled by The Apprentice’s use of sad music – it looks like a nice place!
Has The Apprentice fully replaced the Bridge Cafe?
No, the Bridge Cafe is still open and expected to appear in other episodes of The Apprentice.
However, there is a simple reason why they have two cafes: while unconfirmed, it’s widely assumed that the show has a backup cafe if the Bridge Cafe isn’t available for filming.
Considering its opening hours are 6am to 2:30pm Monday to Friday, there’s a strong chance it won’t always be able to accommodate the show’s production schedule.
This is where Sandy’s Cafe comes in. No matter what happens, there will always be somewhere for the losing candidates to have a cuppa.
What happened to La Cabana Cafe?
La Cabana Cafe was The Apprentice’s former back-up cafe, appearing occasionally as a losers’ location.
Sadly, it has permanently closed, which is why the show is now using Sandy’s Cafe as its backup.
News of its closure emerged in March last year after Lisa’s Cafe made its debut on The Apprentice. It’s not clear why it closed (the cafe didn’t have a website or a social media page).
So, the La Cabana Cafe’s Apprentice era is officially over.
“Heartbroken,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “We will remember you La Cabana Cafe,” another commented.
