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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Sarah Hilley

Coffee shop chain from Ireland coming to High Street

A coffee shop chain from Northern Ireland is set to move into Ayr High Street creating 25 jobs. 

Company Bob & Berts plans to open its fourth Scottish cafe and it has chosen Ayr. 

The firm has its eye on a 19th century property at 134 High Street between Tesco Express and Superdrug.

Seating outside on the pavement is also part of the proposals. 

A fruit trader is currently operating from the site. 

Bob & Berts says it offers artisan coffee, hand-made sandwiches and specialist cakes and pastries.

Founder Colin McClean said: "We are really excited to announce that we are planning to open in Ayr in Spring 2020. We have spent a long time in Ayr observing the town and cant wait to open there. Our new store will be around 3000sqf.

"Our typical fit out costs £250,000 and every store has a unique design. We generally recruit 25 staff for a new store in a mixture of roles, managers, chefs and barristas."

So far in Scotland the chain has rolled out stores in Falkirk, Dunfermline and Kirkaldy with another 15 operating in Ireland. 

An application for planning permission has been lodged with South Ayrshire Council to make alterations and change of use to the B-listed property for its latest base. 

The main seating area and kitchen would be located on the ground level with toilets on the first floor.

Property lined up for potential coffee shop (Ayrshire Post)

A design statement from the firm said the impact on the fabric of the building is limited. 

The statement said: “The Bob & Berts concept keeps its emphasis on the product more than anything else therefore the finishes fixtures and fittings are all quite simplistic.”
It added: “From a listed building angle this is good news as it means the impact on the fabric of the building is limited.”

The council has not made a decision on the planning application yet. 

Ayr has been a magnet for coffee shops with two Costas, Tim Hortons,  Monza, Caffe Nero and others. A Starbucks could also open on Whitletts Road in the town.

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