One of the top 10 cycle cafes in the UK
Trading as an eco-friendly cafe bar, and situated in the highly sought after upmarket town of Topsham, Route 2 has been voted by the Guardian as being one of the top 10 cycle cafes in the UK. The business has now been sold in a confidential off market transaction, by licensed property specialists Stonesmith of Exeter.
The new owners, the McGahey family, are renowned for their independent specialist tobacco shop in Exeter, which has been in the family for over 150 years. 7 years ago they expanded into the cafe business at the High Street premises, and now Paul McGahey has taken on Route 2 in Topsham. Paul has had 6 years running the family coffee shop and had been looking for a while for the right business to come along. Route 2 gave him the location and business he was looking for. Whilst Paul is found front of house he is assisted by a team of 3 skilled chefs.
Route 2 offers an alternative eating and drinking place and Paul is happy to carry on running the business very much as before. He has though made a few slight alterations and in the future plans to add more personal touches and to increase the covers and layout. The menu remains similar and as time passes new additions will be made or items discontinued by customer demand. Paul has added some personal touches to the breakfast which is steadily becoming the signature meal.
As the summer closes some of the popular evening events are back on the agenda and from October the monthly language night’s start, Taste of Devon is back on the menu and the popular quiz returns. In addition to the cafe, the business also had 3 well appointed apartments and, being known for being cycle friendly, is linked next door to the independent Route 2 Bike Shop.
The property is Topsham’s second oldest hostelry and previously traded as a public house called The Steam Packet. In 2008 the Grade II listed property was transformed into Route2 and completely but sympathetically refurbished to the high standard it is today. Route 2 now offers a main cafe bar area with seating for 45 with an open plan catering kitchen. There are 4 self contained apartments and 3 are used for letting. Outside there is a covered archway with seating for approx 16 and acts as a dry storage area for bikes and prams. Further information is available on their website www.route2topsham.co.uk.
Mike Philips, Director of Stonesmith who handled the sale commented “We were approached by Liz Hodges the owner of Route 2 to assist her with the confidential leasing of the business. Working closely with Liz’s solicitor, Martin Truman of Truelegal Solicitors in Topsham, we were able to advise her as to the premium and rental levels achievable and a sale was swiftly agreed, confidentially without the need for any advertising or marketing. We wish Paul and his family every success with their latest venture.”
A leasehold business Stonesmith sold Route 2 off a guide price of £99,950. For further information on buying or selling a business, contact Stonesmith on 01392 201262 or visit www.stonesmith.co.uk.
