A popular cafe is expanding at a prime Sutton Harbour location and relaunching to include a delicatessen shop after being bought by a regular customer.
The Hidden Olive is the new name for the venue at Pinnacle Quay on Plymouth’s spectacular waterfront, with an expanded and improved interior for the cafe which previously operated as part of The Lost Side clothing shop.
Having already established a strong reputation for its fresh coffee and homemade sandwiches, soups, pastries and cakes, the cafe has been taken over by a customer who saw the potential in the business, and is launching a deli bar to run alongside it.
The menu will change fortnightly, and feature coffee roasted in Plymouth, supplied by The Devon Coffee Company.
The Hidden Olive opens today (January 19th).
The Hidden Olive owner Sam Bagshawe explained: “I was a regular customer and saw the opportunity at the cafe so I decided to go for it. I’ve worked in and around Sutton Harbour for many years and recently sold my mobile fishmonger business, so I know the area well and I have a background in the food industry.
“After a major redesign, we open today and aim to make The Hidden Olive a cafe which champions the fantastic local produce we have in this part of the world, with a deli shop alongside the cafe itself showcasing lots of local suppliers.
“The chef who was doing such a great job has stayed on but we’ve changed the menu so it remains affordable, but also features even more great quality local produce, including locally caught fish.”
The Lost Side opened at Pinnacle Quay last summer with a café combined with a clothing store selling lifestyle and streetwear clothing. The clothing business will now operate online.
The cafe has already become a popular draw for visitors to Sutton Harbour in Britain’s Ocean City as well as those living and working in the area, with its prime position overlooking the marina and towards Plymouth Sound proving a tempting location for those looking for a relaxed spot to enjoy a drink and something to eat.
Sam added: “The location in Sutton Harbour is outstanding and I always loved the view when I visited the cafe as a customer. We’ll be offering a great venue for nearby office workers and visitors to Plymouth alike to come for coffee, cakes, lunches and relaxed meals with a wider selection of menu choices from sandwiches, quiches and jacket potatoes to more deli-style options such as Mediterranean platters, and a strong focus on local produce throughout.
“I’m also applying for a license so we can sell local wines, and enable people to enjoy a glass of wine alongside their meals.”
The Hidden Olive is another boost to the growing number of thriving food and drink businesses which are helping Sutton Harbour to earn a reputation as a food haven in Plymouth, following the launch last year of gourmet pizza and cider restaurant The Stable at Vauxhall Quay, and family-friendly bar-cafe Boston Tea Party around the corner at the stylishly revamped Jamaica House in Exchange Street.
Other recently opened venues include the Italian-style outdoor cafe Alfresco! based in a specially created tram at Quay Point opposite the Mayflower Steps, and a new street food experience called Supha’s is launching around the corner from The Hidden Olive at East Quay House.
Paul James, Asset Manager at Sutton Harbour Holdings Plc, said: “Visitors to The Lost Side have been raving about the fantastic fresh produce and great home cooking on offer at the cafe there, so we’re delighted this successful business is now expanding to become The Hidden Olive, and will offer a deli counter as well.
“Sutton Harbour is becoming firmly established as a centre for first-class food and drink venues, as well as a top waterfront destination helping to put Plymouth on the map as Britain’s Ocean City, and the growing number of national chains and independent businesses choosing to open restaurants, bars and cafes here only serves to cement that reputation.”
Find out more about the variety of shops, food and drink venues in Sutton Harbour, and upcoming harbour-based events, by visiting www.experiencesuttonharbour.co.uk or following @experienceSH on Twitter.
