Mother’s ruin could be making of new artisan gin and coffee house
An artisan gin and coffee bar in Southport is launching a second venue with backing from local business funding provider MSIF (Merseyside Special Investment Fund).
Remedy Coffee has opened a second site in nearby Churchtown. The original business, based on Lord Street, was set up two years ago by friends Sarah Simcock and Susannah Porter.
MSIF has helped with additional investment from the directors, to fund the refurbishment of the premises, new equipment and for working capital.
Director Simcock said: “Susannah and I are both passionate about gin and felt we wanted to create a relaxing environment where you could sample gins which are not readily available elsewhere and this is how we came up with the idea for Remedy.
“We offer between 50 and 60 different brands of gin at any one time. We spend lots of time researching new gins and source them from as nearby as Liverpool and Blackburn to as far afield as New Zealand and Australia. The menu is completely fluid and changes all the time.
“Most come from small batch artisan distillers. We look at who is making them and their distillation process then match the gin with the perfect serve to suit each drink. There’s a huge amount of flavours so there’s something for everyone.
“We also wanted to offer specialist coffee and have our own blend which is made by our incredible supplier in Bradford who also trains our baristas so they can serve a wide variety of styles from the perfect latte to iced coffee.
“We also sell a variety of other alcoholic drinks, and freshly prepared breakfast and lunch.
“The business would not be where it is now without the fantastic support from MSIF and our advisors Moore & Smalley who helped us produce all the documentation we needed to get the funding through as quickly as possible.
“The investment was crucial to us opening and we had to work to extremely tight timescales. MSIF went to great lengths to ensure that the money went through in time.
“They also offer much more than just finance. Their post investment mentoring scheme will be a great support to us going forward and help us through this transitional phase of the business.”
MSIF COO Lisa Greenhalgh said: “Churchtown is becoming a popular nightspot in the Southport area and the demographic is right for this type of venue. People don’t want to drink in the big chains anymore; they want to visit somewhere with a more independent feel that offers something a bit different.
“Sarah and Susannah have already had success with their first venture and we are delighted to be able to support Remedy’s expansion.”
Andy Webster from Moore & Smalley said: “We are delighted to have been able to play our part in helping to get the business off the ground and we wish them every success with the venture.”
Remedy employs 25 staff across both its sites. This includes 10 staff recently taken on to work at the Churchtown site.
