City Centre restaurant caters to Exeter's new growth
A local restaurateur is making a major investment to meet the discerning Exeter market. City centre-based Lloyd’s Café and Bistro is re-branding and undergoing a dramatic and high-end refurbishment to create a London-feel restaurant.
The plans are to create a ‘mini-convent garden’ on Catherine Street which encompasses the open Piazza offering alfresco dining located parallel with the High Street and adjacent to the Roman ruins; popular as a meeting place for shoppers and visitors to the city.
In a survey of nearly 40,000 people undertaken by on-line retail estate portal Rightmove, Exeter has been named the 4th happiest place to live. This is reflected in recent economic growth resulting from the arrival of retail giant John Lewis attracting customers from all over the South West and the forthcoming Ikea store.
The restaurant re-launch is being championed by 26 year old entrepreneur Lloyd Gardner who bought the city-centre business in 2012. He comments: “We are very excited about the new-look restaurant and brand. It has been a very successful 18 months since the acquisition and we have established a strong and loyal customer base, however there is a noticeable vibrancy and buoyancy in the city which is attracting a new clientele. With the recent upsurge of growth in the city we felt this was the right time to go to a different level to meet customer demand. As a result we are creating a unique dining experience using locally sourced produce where possible whilst maintaining an excellent customer service without an increase in prices.”
Lloyd's will be closing temporarily on 15 September for the re-fit. The unveiling of the new brand and official restaurant opening in aid of the restaurant’s designated charity Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) will take place on Thursday 26th September at 10am in a ribbon cutting ceremony by City Centre Manager John Harvey. Radio Exe will be joining in the celebrations from 10am – 2pm with representatives from the designated charity ELF.
