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18
Nov
Ripley Store unveils £100,000 relocation
The Ripley Store opened in its new location this week.
The shop stood on the village’s main street for 60-70 years, but owner Jon Peters chose to relocate after the Ripley Estate was put up for sale.
Mr Peters told the Stray Ferret in July that, with only a few years left on the lease and uncertainty about whether it would be extended, he decided to purchase the old distillery across the road — the old location closed on Friday (November 14).
We visited the new site to speak to Mr Peters, his wife, Kirsty, and two daughters, Sophie and Chloe, who help to run the business.
The entire distillery has been refurbished, and there is much more space in the shop now.
Mr Peters said that it can hold between 40 and 50 people when it is full.
Whilst keeping the “world famous” ice cream parlour, the increased floor space means the shop has ventured into new areas.
A coffee bar has been established, which will sell hot drinks and cakes. A kitchen has also been installed in the back, where hot food will be made.
The business has partnered with Cold Bath Brewery and Kendalls, who will supply them with beer and pies, respectively. The shop has retained its alcohol licence.
The ice cream parlour is much bigger than in the previous location.
A brand new coffee machine has been installed.
A beer pump is also in use.
Fresh pies will be sold daily.
But despite the new ventures, Mr Peters said that the priority is still the ice cream.
He said:
The dream would be just to transfer the ice cream over here and build on it to create a bit more of a complete package.
We’ve tried to keep it traditional and how it was previously. We’ve had so many amazing customers over the years and we want to keep it how they remember the store.
Ice cream remains the most popular part of Mr Peters’ business. He said that, in the summer, they get through around 300 tubs of ice cream in a week, and over 40,000 litres across the season.
The general store section will remain in the new location, too.
The general store will remain in the new location.
The old distillery has considerable outdoor space.
While there are only a few tables and benches outside currently, Mr Peters said that they plan to install astroturf, a gazebo, and plenty of seating for the summer months.
He added that, once that is completed, the relocation will have cost around £100,000.
The outdoor area is expected be completed in March.
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