A BRAND new cafe is set to open in Andover this week after the owners of popular SP cocktail bar announced a new venture.

As previously reported, the owners of one of Andover’s favourite cocktail spots, the SP Bar, are set to branch out and transform unit 20B in Bridge Street into a vibrant new café.

Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC), which owns the unit, put a call out to businesses last year to apply for the lease for the vacant premises. Various bidders put forward their proposals, and following a rigorous assessment process, Ricky and Stephany Pledge of the SP Bar came out on top.

READ MORE: From cocktails to café culture – SP Bar branches out with new riverside cafe venture

Now, the venue has announced it is set to open its doors on Friday, August 5.

The café will be open during the day, serving a range of quality snacks, including a choice of seven quality locally produced sandwiches daily.

It comes as it was announced on Thursday (July 28) that the Pledges are also taking the lease on the lower Guildhall in the High Street, to open in the autumn. 

Stephanie said:  “We love Andover and have invested considerably in the town as we feel there is so much potential locally. Unlike surrounding towns, we are convenient and easy to get to, and our customers have told us they want diversity and choice, something we can offer. Where possible, we are also using local suppliers to provide everything.”

READ MORE: Popular cocktail business to open up eatery in Andover’s iconic Guildhall

Steve Godwin, the Andover BID manager, added: “We have known Ricky and Steph since they first came to the town and opened the SP Bar. They are entrepreneurial in their approach, and opening the SP Bar was something new to the town that local people have so well supported, encouraging them to invest, expand, and develop. 

“The Pledges have worked closely with the BID, who have helped to support and market their business in many different ways, including marketing through our In Andover website and social media channels. We are delighted that Test Valley Borough Council have chosen to support a local and vibrant independent company by offering them the leases as they invest in the town and bring something new and quirky. 

“It is wonderful to see our day, evening and night-time economy benefiting from local initiatives aimed at helping Andover to stay competitive and ahead of other local towns and cities.”

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