Former Costa cafe set to become brand new bar and restaurant

Chandlery Properties, behind the scheme, say it is aiming to open the new independent Cadena at the site in The Cross before the end of the year.

As the building was being used as a coffee shop previously it does not require planning permission, but the applicant has applied for a change in the conditions. This appears to be a tidying up exercise.

In a planning statement on the city council’s website, AddisonRees Planning Consultancy Ltd says: “The proposals seek to use the premises as an upmarket restaurant and wine bar.

“The applicants have already been in discussions with the police who have not raised an issue with such a proposed use, which would not be dissimilar in operation to existing local premises ‘Bolero’.

“The proposals would bring back in to use the existing premises, which has been empty and vacant for a considerable time, contributing positively to the character and vibrancy of this city centre location.”

Andy Bowler, from Chandley, said they had spent £200,000 investing in the property, which has also included creating a business centre at the rear of the property, with a charity set to move in.

On the proposal he said: “We want it to be one of the best places in Worcester.

“It will be a classy restaurant for the clientele. We would want people to come in for a coffee and a light bite during the day, before it became the restaurant and bar at night.

“It is good news for Worcester.”

Mr Bowler said when the bar was open they could seek a later opening, past 11pm, at a later date.

He added the name was chosen as there was a popular Cadena cafe not far from the site at the current Pret A Manger, in the 1950s.

Costa Coffee closed unexpectedly in January last year. There was no announcement by the chain, and within hours of it closing its doors workmen stripped the building, removing Costa branding.