Member Article

Sheffield’s Scandi café set to open second location at New Era Square

Sheffield’s Danish-themed café, Hygge, is set to open a second venue in the city centre following the securing of new premises in the £70million New Era Square scheme.

Sheffield-based commercial property specialist solicitors Mason Thomas Law negotiated the deal in only two weeks on the 180sqm unit on Boston Street in New Era Square with landlord New Era Developments on behalf of owner Alex Moore.

The speed of the deal has ensured that Lykke will be one of the first eateries to open in New Era Square and will benefit from the hundreds of students expected to make the move to the development this summer.

Cathy Thomas, Director and Solicitor of Mason Thomas Law who acted on behalf of Alex said: “Normally deals such as these take around 6 – 8 weeks to complete so I am delighted that we were able to complete in only two weeks. Both myself and Alex made sure we were fully available throughout the negotiation period, and this ensured a swift process and will achieve Alex’s goal of a summer opening for Lykke. My team and I can’t wait to visit.”

Fit out of the premises is now under way and the new venue, Lykke will open at the beginning of August. As well as indoor seating, Lykke, boasts a large outdoor area and will create up to 25 jobs once fully operational.

Lykke will be one of the first food and drink businesses to open in New Era Square. The scheme, which fronts St.Mary’s and the inner ring road, is home to more than 700 student flats which will benefit from retail/restaurant units all located around a central landscaped square.

Lykke, which is currently being fitted out, will be joined by several other new eateries expected to open between June and September this year. Jerry Cheung, developer of New Era Square expects the scheme to be fully occupied by the end of the year.

Alex Moore said: “New Era Square is a fantastic new pedestrianised space which I am excited to bring Lykke and our Danish concept of a relaxed multi-function work, meeting, eating and drinking space to it in August.

“It has been very well done by the landlord and is comparable to similar schemes in London and Manchester. I am confident New Era Square will become the new go-to eating and drinking destination in Sheffield.”

Once open Lykke, like its sister venue Hygge Café, will offer full table service. Alex explained: “Although restrictions on hospitality businesses are set to be lifted, we will continue to offer full table service as the emphasis at both businesses is on relaxation. We want people to enjoy the space we have created and spend time in it, whether that is to work during the day or meet friends for cocktails and food in the evening.”

Alex, who moved to Sheffield eight years ago, opened Hygge Café in 2019, just six months before the pandemic hit. He said: “As a small independent business we have been very grateful for the grants throughout the pandemic. They have enabled us to survive and now grow the business. It has been very hard to watch fellow hospitality business owners struggle in the pandemic, but now that restrictions are being lifted, I am very positive for the sector in Sheffield.”

He praised Sheffield City Council’s commitment to the regeneration of the city centre. “When I opened Hygge Café in Fitzalan Square in 2019 the location was questioned, however the improvements made here and in several areas across the city have made them desirable areas. The Council is making Sheffield a beautiful city. I’ve lived in Sheffield for eight years and I’m proud to be a resident and business owner here.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anna Melton .