Waters Edge Cafe, Lyme Regis

A most attractive easily manageable daytime coffee shop/café serving a popular easily prepared quality menu to eat in or takeaway. New owners will benefit from immaculate recently refurbished and comprehensively equipped premises which benefit from low overheads, the rent amounting to only £125 per week and currently receiving 100% business rate relief. The premises provide dining area, servery counter, preparation/wash-up room, a cloakroom and some alfresco dining facilities. Such is the trading position the business is able to trade all year round but the current owner chooses to only trade 11 months of each year, enjoying local and visitor trade.

Occupying a lucrative trading position considered most valuable, overlooking the River Lym along which walks can be taken, lying on Coombe Street, a busy thoroughfare linking one of the town’s main car parks, with the seafront, beaches and attractions. Coombe Street plays host to numerous other popular businesses together with residential housing/holiday accommodation from which trade is received. The town centre is only a short walk away along with the popular esplanade named Marine Parade which forms part of the South West coastal path ensuring the area acts as a magnet for day trippers and holidaymakers.

Lyme Regis, located in South West Dorset close to the Devon border, situated in Lyme Bay known as The Pearl of Dorset, a historic unspoiled seaside town and fishing port, the area has been granted World Heritage status and is known as the ‘Jurassic Coast for its geology and fossils. Additionally the town boasts a world famous Cobb Harbour and was the setting for the film ‘The French Lieutenants Women’, annual events includes a carnival and regatta attracting masses of visitors in addition to regular holiday makers. In recent years the town has become most sought after, attracting national retailers and famous chefs, property is most sought after, it is easily accessible with the City of Exeter lying approximately 25 miles away to the West whilst the thriving market town of Dorchester lies approximately 25 miles away to the East, slightly closer is the market town of Bridport being approximately 10 miles away and the seaside resort of Seaton 8 miles away. 

Presented and equipped to the highest of standards with no expenditure necessary, the recent refurbishment and fit out costing in the region of £80,000 to include a total re-wire and re-plumbing . Attractive bay window frontage with adjacent customer entrance door opening to the DINING AREA, quality vinyl flooring, wall lights and pendent lighting, free standing tables and hairs providing 12 covers. To the rear, SERVICE COUNTER offering a display of cakes and pastries, work counter behind playing host to quality equipment comprising La Spiziale coffee machine, Mazzer coffee grinder and knockout drawer, Pannini grill, 2 microwave ovens, toaster, 2 Santos blenders and till. From behind the service counter access is gained to the PREPARATION/WASH-UP ROOM, fitted with double sink unit, contains 2 fridges, 2 freezers, ice machine and dishwasher. Leading off the dining area is the CLOAKROOM fitted with toilet, hand washbasin and hand dryer. Holds a 5* EHO rating. It should be noted that no cooking is allowed on the premises with all stock being bought in. (None of the above appliances/systems have been tested and a purchaser must satisfy themselves as to the serviceability of these).

To the front of the property, ALFRESCO DINING AREA, free standing tables and chairs providing 6 covers. 

A popular business which continues to thrive as its reputation grows. The premises were acquired by the vendor in 2019 when planning permission was obtained to convert them into a coffee shop/café, following which a full refurbishment was carried out at considerable expense to reach the current high standard, only now offered for sale due to other business interests. Operating as a daytime coffee shop/café/food to go outlet, offering a quality easily prepared up market menu to eat in or takeaway. Menu lines comprise smoothies, frappe’s, speciality teas and coffees, milk shakes, breads, salads, salad boxes, soups, baguettes, breakfast and brunch plus cakes and ice creams along with other snacks and light bites, also benefits from an alcohol license. The business proves popular with the local community, holidaymakers and day trippers.

The business trades 11 months of each year, March through to January, closing during February. When trading typical opening hours are Monday to Sunday 9.00am through to 5.00pm.

Due to other business interests the business is predominantly operated by staff on a day to day basis, 2 full time members of staff and a pool of part time staff employed, the business would suit working owners enabling a reduction in the current wages bill.

We have been advised Gross Sales are in the region of £250,000 per annum, returning the normal high profit margins associated with the trade and menu offered and this coupled with the low premises costs ensures the business remains most profitable.

The sale of Waters Edge Café provides a rare opportunity to acquire superbly fitted and equipped catering premises enjoying particularly low overheads in this most desirable sought after coastal resort. Coupled with this is a popular easily manageable thriving business proving most profitable, in particular if operated by a couple.

Tenure: Held on the residue of a 6 year Lease which commenced in 2019, current rent £6,500 per annum, subject to a 4 yearly rent review.

Rates: Currently ‘Nil’ after 100% rate relief.

Leasehold price £35,000 the benefit of the lease, Goodwill, Fixtures, Fittings & Equipment (according to inventory) plus stock at valuation.