Coffee shop Caffe Nero has doubled the size of its premises on Market Place North in what is described as “vote of confidence” in Ripon.
The expansion was made possible after Sterne Properties Limited acquired the lease of the existing Caffe Nero and the adjacent property, which had been vacant since Leeds Building Society closed its Ripon branch in November 2020.
Tom Limbert, director of property consultants Central Retail, who acted on behalf of the international coffeehouse company, said:
“This is a prime corner site location and it’s a very positive move by Caffe Nero to double its size.”
Robert Sterne, director of Sterne Properties, told the Stray Ferret:
“We are delighted to have negotiated a ten year lease covering the newly-expanded premises and see this as a vote of confidence in Ripon from Caffe Nero.”
He added:
“This adds to our portfolio of investments in Ripon, where we have injected new life into empty properties by introducing leisure and hospitality uses.”
The company’s portfolio includes The Claro Lounge on Market Place South, Curzon Cinema on North Street and Coffee at Number 10 on Queen Street.
Sterne Properties, which has been investing in Ripon for 30 years, also owns the Halls of Ripon premises on Fishergate – where The Hive Cafe is located – and Appleton’s butchers on Market Place East.
Read more:
Harrogate cafe closes due to temporary staff shortages
A cafe in Harrogate has been forced to close its doors temporarily due a shortage of staff.
Staff at Caffé Nero, on the corner of Cambridge Street and Station Parade, posted a notice in the door this morning to explain why it would not be opening.
This closure highlights the ongoing recruitment crisis in the hospitality sector, which has forced many restaurants and cafes to reduce services.
The Stray Ferret asked the head office of Caffé Nero when the site would reopen. A spokesperson said it would be open “as soon as possible.”
Read more:
- ‘Station Gateway consultation a whitewash’, claim Harrogate petitioners
- Two arrested after late night Harrogate drugs swoop
- New Christmas express train from London to Harrogate
Meanwhile the notice in the door points customers to the second Caffé Nero site in town, which is a short walk away on Cambridge Crescent.
A spokesperson for Caffé Nero said:
“The store you’re referring to is only temporarily closed due to staff availability and will reopen as soon as possible.
“The larger store two minutes away at Cambridge Crescent is open as usual and trading normally.”