New cafe upsets other cafe owners in Conwy

Feb 4 2010 North Wales Weekly News

A NEWLY opened cafe in Conwy is upsetting other business owners in the town, who reckon it is posing too much competition.

The former bookshop in the High Street was reopened last Saturday as a cafe and bookshop.

But the venture has infuriated other business owners who claim there are already enough cafes in the walled town.

There are over 20 catering establishments in Conwy, including restaurants, cafes, fish and chip shops and pubs.

But Lisa Walker, owner of L’s Coffee and Bookshop – also owned by the proprietors of the neighbouring Castle Hotel – has hit back, saying competition is good for the town.

She said: “We will be offering something different, such as a chocolate fondue for our customers.

“People will be able to use parking facilities at the Castle Hotel, grab a coffee and relax with a book.

“We will also be selling locally made preserves and cakes.”

She added: “Nobody has complained to me about us opening, but all I’d say to those people who aren’t happy is that surely competition is a good thing?” Sara Allardice, chair of Conwy’s Chamber of Trade, admitted there was a lot of upset in the town.

She said: “Our members feel there are already more than enough cafes in the town.

“Although I’m really happy the shop unit has been filled, what we really need is more retail to attract people to Conwy.

“I really can’t see people coming here just for a coffee.”

Sue Roberts, from Anna’s Tearooms in Castle Street, was very vocal in her disappointment.

She said: “I just don’t understand why the Castle Hotel has done this, as they know how tough it is in the town.

“I’m totally opposed to this cafe, as there are already too many of us fighting over the same custom.

“I especially feel sorry for those cafes and restaurants on the High Street, I know they will be devastated.”

mari.jones