A LANDMARK Coventry building is being turned into a continental cafe bar in time for the UK City of Culture year after a deal was struck with a local craft brewery.
Dhillons Brewery has taken a 20-year-lease on Christchurch Spire in Coventry city centre and will be serving its own beers on tap as well as offering hot drinks and food to create a family friendly venue.
Dhillons, which has been in business for six years, will keep its main base near the Ricoh Arena where it brews a range of beers and attracts customers from across the region.
It has agreed the deal on Christchurch Spire through commercial property agents Holt Commercial and it is part of the company’s plans to grow.
Dal Dhillon, who runs Dhillons Brewery, said it had always been the firm’s ambition to open up in the city centre but it wanted a building with character so something special and unique could be created.
“Christchurch Spire gives us exactly that opportunity and we can’t wait to open.
“It was part of the plan to do this anyway but, of course, with City of Culture coming and so much investment in the city centre this is a great opportunity for us.
“The plan is to open all day and create a really continental café feel so families can come in for a coffee and muffin if they been in the city centre during the day, and then it will have more of a feel of a bar later on in the evening.”
Talks are ongoing about a nice outdoor space being created that could be used all-year-round and the brewery is working with street-food providers to offer a food outlet for customers.
Dal added: “This has been a really difficult time for the hospitality sector but we see this as a really good investment and a chance to grow the Dhillons Brewery business.”
He praised Holt Commercial for its help and making the process go smoothly.
Chris Hobday, associate at Holt Commercial, said it was great news to see another business investing in Coventry city centre despite the difficulties facing retail and hospitality companies.
“We wish Dhillons Brewery every success in this landmark building and it should be a great addition to the city centre’s leisure and hospitality offering.”
