The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
The first major investment by the new owners of Bookmark in Spalding is imminent.
A “substantial” amount is being spent on a refurbishment of the bookshop’s café this autumn.
The plans include removing an internal wall and uncovering an outside window to make the area larger and lighter, a refitted kitchen and counter area, new flooring and a refresh of the menu.
Operations manager Darren Sutton said: “On a Saturday it’s jam-packed so we saw the potential to improve what we have.
“We want to make it the first-choice place for people to eat and drink in Spalding.”
The move will mean the café having to close for about a week. The hope is to have the work done before the shop’s busy pre-Christmas period gets under way in November.
Darren says trade in The Crescent shop has been good since the takeover in June. He and brother Jason also run Charmed Interiors in Sheep Market and a shop in Downham Market.
There are plans to introduce a loyalty card for Bookmark customers and a discount scheme for the 20 staff, but there will be no return to regular Sunday opening despite complaints from shoppers when it was stopped.
Darren said: “It’s a family business and we think it’s important for our staff to have some time off at the weekend.
“We will be open for the four Sundays before Christmas though.”
