Brewery founder raises glass to new food venture

A microbrewery founder is launching a city food hall venture.

Dal Dhillon is set to open Elle’s in Coventry.

Described as a first for the West Midlands city, the 8000sq ft endeavour will include independent food and coffee vendors and a late-licence bar.

Planned to open in Two Friargate at the end of January, the venue is tipped to create around 40 jobs.

The venture – planned to be followed by openings in cities including Liverpool – has been supported by a £500,000 loan from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, through fund manager Frontier Development Capital.

Dal, who founded Dhillon’s Brewery a decade ago, said: “Elle’s will be a space for everyone – families, commuters and visitors.

“It will be a showcase for independent food operators and demonstrate the potential of the city’s hospitality industry.”

Diane Watt, of Frontier Development Capital, added: “Dal is an impressive entrepreneur who is a keen supporter of Coventry and has played a key role in developing its tourist and hospitality industry.

“This latest venture will be his most high-profile to date, and we are pleased to support him.”

The £400 million Midlands Engine Investment Fund II provides equity investment up to £5 million and debt finance from £25,000 to £2 million to small and medium-sized businesses.

David Tindall, British Business Bank senior investment manager, added: “Dal has a proven track record of founding and growing successful ventures.

“The fund’s investment in Elle’s will support the opening of a new regional food hall, create new jobs and enable expansion into neighbouring cities.”

Parmy Singh, of Coventry City Council, provided fundraising advice to the company.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.