New Bar in Newton Abbot
16 Mar 2010
Newton Abbot is waking up to the smell of fresh coffee served from a newly-refurbished historic building. A Coffee Republic outlet has opened its doors at Lovegate House in Highweek Way.
The owner of the franchise, Matt Hotchkiss, says the first few days of trading have been brisk. He said: "We had a soft opening last weekend and it was packed with people. We opened officially on Monday and since then we have been full of customers." The Grade II listed Georgian building is owned by the Caunter family, which once possessed much of the land around the town centre, including the Asda site.
Matt, an American with experience of running coffee shops in his native land, has set up a franchise with Brian and Clive Caunter under the name of Westman Developments, and has plans to expand into Torquay and other Devon towns. He is engaged to Brian's daughter Lucie, so the whole enterprise is something of a family affair.
Lovegate House, a former residential property, has been unoccupied for a number of years. Matt said: "The refurbishment has gone very well and the place looks fantastic. The number one comment people are making is to say how great it looks. "I feel good about the business bringing something new to the town but also putting an historic building to good use."
Coffee Republic becomes the second national chain to open in the town following Costa. There are also a number of smaller independent outlets. As well as drinks, Coffee Republic offers sandwiches made on site, pastries and outdoor seating in the summer.
