Partner Article

Colmans Fish and Chips adds to expanding hospitality portfolio

A chance meeting over breakfast between family friends has secured the future of a much-loved café at the heart of a South Tyneside community.

The Village Café in Whitburn has been in the Hopper family for more than half a century and boasts a reputation for delicious home cooked food and friendly service.

However, owners Peter and Francis decided to sell their business towards the end of last year — with Richard Colman Ord making his friends and neighbours an offer they couldn’t refuse.

Richard, co-owner and director of Colmans Fish and Chips, explains: “I popped into the café for breakfast the day after Peter and Fran had decided to put it up for sale

“We got chatting and I put in an offer later that day. Whitburn is our family’s home and the Village Café holds so many fond memories for all of us.

“The two families have known each other for decades, going back to when our grandparents were neighbours.

“We all loved going to the café as kids and continuing to visit as we’ve grown up. I take my own children there now.

“As soon as I was told the Village Café was up for sale it just seemed like the most natural thing to make an offer.”

As part of the transition, Colmans will retain two existing members of staff with plans to create more roles as the business develops. A managerial post has already been advertised.

The Hoppers launched the café in 1972 but the business officially changed hands earlier this month and the Colman family intends to reopen the Village Café later this summer.

“We’re going to refurbish the café and put our own stamp on it but we won’t change too much,” adds Richard. “Why would we?

“The Village Café is known for its family feel and for fostering a real sense of community. The name and the ethos will stay the same.

“We want to ensure the café retains its place at the heart of the village we’re proud to call home. Although there will be something of a makeover, we’re building on what Peter and Fran have worked so hard towards for so many years.

“The two families are known for living and breathing hospitality. It’s just what we do. Colmans’ fish and chip restaurants are known for quality, great service and making people feel at home. The Village Café has always been the same.”

Colmans have added the Village Café to an expanding hospitality portfolio that includes the family run business’s original restaurant on South Shields’ Ocean Road, the seafront Seafood Temple and a popular Newcastle base within Fenwick’s department store.

Later this year work will begin on a new Colmans-helmed coastal village, adjacent to the Seafood Temple, as Richard and his fellow director, brother Dominic, continue to diversify and expand.

For now relaunching the Village Café is the family’s primary focus and Dominic adds: “We’re going to be serving up great breakfast, brunch and lunch to the people of Whitburn.

“As usual we’ll be focusing on high quality, local produce. We’ll be tapping into as many local suppliers as we can and looking to showcase the work they do.

“Our approach at the Village Café will be quality over quantity. The menu will be relatively small but one thing we do want to introduce is the best Sunday lunch for miles around.

“On the other side of the coin we’ll be serving great coffee. If our customers simply want to enjoy a cuppa and a chat then we’re here for that too.”

Plans are also in place to maximise the potential of the café’s outdoor area and secure an alcohol licence to complement occasional evening service.

“There’s a case for serving some great British plates over the weekend, perhaps accompanied by a glass of wine,” adds Richard.

“It’s a lovely place to sit and relax and enjoy some casual dining.”

But will the Village Café serve Colmans’ world-renowned fish and chips?

“The nation’s favourite could make an appearance,” teases Richard. “Watch this space!”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Rushworth .