Vacant since the bank closed in 2015, an enterprising couple have now given this beautiful grade II listed building, in the heart of Warrington Town centre, a new lease of life.
Counter's Coffee Bar
When Pavan and Yaad Johal decided to buy the former NatWest Parr's Bank site last year, little did they know that they'd be facing a year-long covid-19 hiatus before launching their new business. Not letting the pandemic dampen their plans, the ambitious couple instead used the time to rethink their plans.
Pavan, who is 28, said: 'Our original plan was to focus on the upstairs space and rent out downstairs, but when Covid-19 hit, we had to rethink what we wanted. We didn't want to compromise on quality, and we wanted to offer people the best.'
So instead, they converted the downstairs space into Counter's Coffee Bar, a coffee shop serving takeaway drinks as well as hot and cold food. Opening their doors just after Easter, Pavan and Yaad, whose backgrounds are in the hotel and fashion industries, are excited about the future.
'We have our ideas about how we want to run the business, and we know our strengths. We've hired the best baristas who have worked at five-star hotels in the past, and we're confident that we can deliver the best. After a fantastic opening day, we're hoping to specialise in authentic Indian toasties – just like we eat at home. We've locally sourced products from around Cheshire and we've partnered with other businesses like White Lace Cakes Bakery, which supply the cookies, brownies and cakes that we sell.
Future plans
As the couple hopes to open an aparthotel with 16 guest bedrooms, there are more exciting plans ahead, turning the banking hall into event space for weddings and afternoon tea experiences. Pavan and Yaad are hoping to offer event bookings later this year - watch this space.
