£200k invested in North Tyneside luxury cafe venture

A fledgling North Tyneside luxury café and wine bar has already set its sights on expansion and hopes to double its staff by the end of the year having invested £200,000 in to the business.

Joffers, of Whitley Bay - launched in June to inject new life, affordable luxury and a fine dash of glamour into the town’s tired dining scene - has enjoyed a surge in business since opening, and its new late openings hours is set to position the business a prime high class nigh time spot in the region.

Serving tea, scones and tapas throughout the day and candle lit cocktails of an evening, the crack business and culinary team behind the venture have transformed the dilapidated 115-year-old building on Whitley Road and expect to turnover to reach £250,000 in its first year.

Managing director, Audra Joffer, said: “Fusing uncomplicated, fresh and healthy British and European food with an extensive wine and cocktail menu, Joffers delivers an all-day experience in an informal atmosphere.

“People sometimes say they are frightened to come in to Joffers because it looks “too posh” but people work hard and money is tight, so why should people not deserve something better? The truth is our prices for food and drink are low.”

“We’re ambitious and already have plans in place to expand our operations, but for now we want to establish ourselves in Whitley Bay and hopefully attract new and forward thinking restaurants and businesses to the area.”

Located amidst the hustle and bustle of Whitley Bay’s town centre, its owners have said the establishment provides a perfect and lavish retreat from the rigours of daily life and the stunning continental style eatery has been set up as an alternative to Tynemouth’s rapidly expanding high cost food and drink scene.

Running alongside its brand new and extensive range of high-quality, European and British inspired food, Joffers also has plans to launch a programme of high-end live entertainment.

“People at the moment generally have to go to Tynemouth or Newcastle to find a ‘nice’ place to eat and drink - so we are addressing the market sector and what we see as a growing need,” added Audra Joffer.

“There are some great Italian and Indian restaurants to visit in Whitley Bay, but where do people have to go after this? As well as being open through the day, Joffers provides an alternative of an evening too.”

“So whether it’s a relaxing afternoon tea with friends in opulent surroundings, a glass of wine after a hard day’s work, a business meeting with that next big client, or a birthday meal with friends, Joffers has it covered.”