New operator sought for Derby hospitality business

A new operator is being sought for a popular Derby’s café.

The award-winning Bean Caffe at Friar Gate Studios has been under the ownership of Swain Myers for the past four-and-a-half years.

The popular café was founded in 2010 and is located within Friar Gate Studios, the headquarters of Derby City Council’s Connect Derby managed workspace scheme.

A past winner of Best Café at the Derby Food & Drink awards, Bean Caffe has a diverse customer base – from Friar Gate Studios’ tenants and the public to the local business community.

The café is popular with staff and students at the University of Derby Law School, which is based across the road – a partnership which was marked by the creation of a delivery service for the university at the end of 2019.

The open plan dining space has 60 covers and includes the use of the outdoor courtyard. It also has it own dedicated entrance.

The new café operator will be a tenant of Derby City Council.

Swain Myers said: “Bean Caffe has been a big part of my life for the part four and a half years, and I am proud of the thriving business we have created. The time has come, however, for me to get a better work/life balance and pursue new ventures.

“Lots of untapped potential exists for the business with the new University Business School to be completed in early 2025.

“The café has a loyal, experienced team who are all food hygiene trained and are keen to remain within the business.”

Ann Bhatti, Connect Derby business centre manager, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs or commercially minded food enthusiasts to take over a thriving, well established business. Connect Derby is open to flexible lease negotiations and a quick completion is available for any interested parties.

“We hope the successful operator will create the same sense of community that Bean Caffé has established at Friar Gate Studios over the past 13 years.”