An Andover coffee shop has been awarded the second instalment of an Independent Retailer Grant from Test Valley Borough Council.
No.78 Speciality Coffee has now received a total of £1000 from the council after opening up shop in an empty Andover unit last year. Owner Paul Hedges gave the unit an extensive refurbishment, breathing a new lease of life into the space.
Councillor Iris Andersen awarded the second instalment, and said: “I am really pleased to see that Paul’s new venture is going well – long may it continue.”
Recipients of the £1,000 grant first receive £500 after three months of trading and a further £500 six months later. To be eligible for the grant, new or existing independent businesses must occupy a town centre ground floor unit which has been vacant for at least one month.
Qualifying businesses include shops, restaurants and cafes. These funds have become available to the community as a consequence of the council’s prudent investments, financial management and use of the New Homes Bonus.
Paul has decided to launch a new feature to the business as he introduces Cheese & Wine evenings every Friday & Saturday. The business will be opening from 5pm – 10:30pm on those nights to add a new eclectic venue for the town to enjoy. Using locally produced cheeses and wine specially selected from local merchants it will offer a relaxed vibe to the town centre. They will also be serving their speciality coffees too as well as food too.
Paul told us “I’m really looking forward to getting this open to the people of Andover and I really hope they come and enjoy some quality wine and cheese as well as our amazing coffee”.
