A Derbyshire auction house owner who is a regular on TV antiques shows has launched a search for a cafe operator at his latest saleroom.
Charles Hanson, who is best known for his appearances on Bargain Hunt, Flog It! and Antiques Road Trip, is the owner of Hansons Auctioneers, which is based in Etwall.
He recently launched his new country house auction sale room at Bishton Hall, in Wolseley Bridge, Staffordshire - and now Mr Hanson is looking for the perfect person, couple or team to launch a cafe at the historic venue.
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Mr Hanson said that whoever comes up with the best plan will be given the first six months rent-free to help them get their business off the ground.
He said: “If you’ve ever wanted to run your own cafe but haven’t been able to find, or afford, the right venue to get started, this could be a chance of a lifetime. I want to offer this opportunity to someone with vision and ambition.
“We want the cafe to offer fabulous food, scrumptious cakes, delicious coffee and much more in this amazing period property and are now looking for the right people to make it happen.
“If you love producing good food, relish the chance of being based at a property awash with period grandeur and have bags of enthusiasm and ideas, we’d love to hear from you.”
Bishton Hall is an ivy-clad, atmospheric Georgian Grade II-listed mansion steeped in history. The current building dates back to circa 1750 but Bishton was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086.
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Mr Hanson purchased the building earlier this year and is already using it to host regular auctions. It will also be available for weddings and events, providing plenty of potential opportunities for in-house caterers.
He said: “The cafe owners will reap the benefits of being connected to both Hansons Auctioneers and Bishton Hall – and we have big ambitions for the future.
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“There will be opportunities to provide refreshments at a variety of events and, at the same time, I’d like the owners to put the Bishton cafe on the map as a go-to destination for anyone looking for a place to enjoy coffee, cake and snacks.
“The possibilities are endless. Plans are already under way to make the property available for all types of events and the cafe will be right at the heart of its future success.”
To register your interest, please send a cafe business plan and full contact details to: Jill Gallone, Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, DE65 6LS. Alternatively, e-mail jgallonehansonsauctioneers.co.uk. People are invited to register their interest by December 1.