|
From the Isle of Thanet News August 2020, by Kathy Bailes.
I want it to be a place for our community.
Andy reveals his dreams for new micropub and coffee bar.
A love of community, real ale and Broadstairs are the driving forces
behind the creation of a new micropub in the town.
Former corporate salesman Andy Smith, 45, plans to renovate the
former Bridal Gallery shop in Chandos Road to bring it back to its
Victorian glory, with a contemporary twist, to create The Royston.
The micropub, named after Andy's dad Roy who passed away at Maurice
House after a period of dementia, will showcase Kent brewery ales
and ciders and be available for use by community groups.
Local produce, including freshly roasted coffee, will be served and
Andy will be selling a variety of different coffee beans for people
to use at home.
Andy, who is being backed in the venture by his fiance Melissa and
their son, 24-year-old Liam, spent 24 years in the commercial
selling “rat race” before a bout of ill-health pushed him to take a
new direction.
After a brain haemorrhage, which resulted in three weeks at Kings
College Hospital, Andy decided it was time to try something
different.
He spent three years as part of a social enterprise working to teach
category B prisoners catering, customer service and barista skills,
and now works supplying coffee and barista training to the
hospitality sector.
Andy thinks now is the time to do “something that makes you want to
get up in the morning? He said: “I have a bit of savings and wanted
to do something in the town where I was bom and raised. It will be
renovated in a Victoriana contemporary theme to fit the area and it
will be very much community focused.
There are two phases. Upstairs will have high seating so you are all
on the same level whether standing or seated. There will be a 25
person capacity and there will be no bar, instead patrons will be
served at the tables.
"A small selection of bar snacks will be offered but there will be
no hot food. Customers can bring food in, or they might want to club
in and order from local businesses'
The Royston will have a selection of board games and books as well
as hosting quiz nights and other events to raise money for local
charities and good causes.
There will be no TV or juke box and generally no music upstairs.
Phase two will be the downstairs 'lounge’ area, with soft seating
and coffee tables. The space will have a 30 person capacity for
occasional use, private functions, meetings and events such as open
mic and live comedy nights.
Andy said; “It will be a place where people can come and send emails
or have coffee, somewhere quiet and respectable. It'll be a place for
clubs and organisations to hold their meetings.
"I really want this to be a place for our town and community.'’
The venture will create five jobs in addition to Andy as
owner/manager and son Liam, an experienced barman, helping at the
helm.
It is hoped to open, if a change of use application is approved by
Thanet council, by December. |
