The reopening of the hospitality industry after months of lockdown has created a huge demand for space for restaurants, cafes, bars and takeaways in and around Plymouth.
Commercial property experts in Plymouth say they have been inundated with requests for space as the country exits Covid-related restrictions and pent-up demand fuels.
Real estate consultancy Stratton Creber Commercial (SCC) recently signed a series of contracts with leisure and hospitality companies, stating that the hunger for space has not yet been satisfied.
Chris Ryland, General Manager of SCC, said, “We have been inundated with requirements for food operations in the Plymouth area and we are pleased to report a lot of confidence and excitement in the market.”
Cheshire-based New World Trading Company has already secured the former Las Iguanas unit at The Brewhouse in Royal William Yard for The Club House format.
The brand is now open and aims to make guests feel “when they first come on vacation” with a distinctive, casual bar and restaurant that extends outwards.
In addition to a large selection of beers, wines and cocktails, a comprehensive menu is available. It is the second location for The Club House, which is already operating successfully in Liverpool.
Elsewhere in Plymouth, the team behind the renowned Tigermilk cocktail bar has set up space in the Pilgrim House in Derry’s Cross.
Tigermilk used to be a relaxed cocktail bar with live music in rented rooms in the basement of the Duke of Cornwall Hotel before the hotel was sold in 2019. The company has since operated as Tigermilk Events before the new venue was found.
Also in the city center, the former Coffee Bean unit on Cornwall Street has been rented to a cafe, while another is opening in Plympton, where a sole proprietorship has secured a unit in Westfield. The ground floor unit is in a prominent location next to the Tesco Express.
On Mayflower Street in Plymouth city center, an Indian restaurant and takeaway operator has signed a lease for the former home of the fish and chip restaurant Catch.
Meanwhile, a unit on Fore Street, Salcombe, has been sold to a Kingsbridge couple who have opened a coffee and sandwich shop called The Pantry.
Three other commercial properties in the Plymouth area are currently being offered to hospitality tenants.
And Mr Ryland said a number of other properties of interest to food businesses are new to the market.
A ground floor retail unit with first floor office is now available in St. Judes, Plymouth. The well located unit is next to Friary Mill Bakery and on the corner of Gasking Street and Beaumont Road.
The ground floor has a large retail area, storage cabinet and stairs to the office on the first floor. There is also a disabled toilet on the ground floor.
Other options are Mills Bakery, Royal William Yard and Plymouth Cross, the landmark of the city center on the site of the former Derry’s department store.
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