A new cafe has opened up at the Beehive on Dowell Street.

Opening on Monday, January 9, the cafe will be selling a range of coffees and other hot beverages, pizzas, sandwiches, homemade cake, soup and daily specials. The range of products will be extended as the business grows.

The café will initially be staffed by volunteers, including two of the trustees  and if the project proves successful, paid staff will be recruited further down the line.

A spokesman for the Beehive said: "Due to issues following the covid pandemic, the charity that runs the Beehive has been supported financially by Honiton Town Council since March 2022, but that arrangement is due to end after 12 months.

"The charity has produced a new business plan which they hope will enable them to cut their reliance on the Council’s support and to break even.  As part of their plan to return to financial independence, the Board of Trustees realised this opening the café for general use was a good opportunity to provide an enhanced service to the public and to all those people who use the Beehive during the day. 

"You are invited to give the new service a try and to tell your friends."

“Since its inception, the Beehive has had a café and bar, which is used before and during events at the venue but it has been underutilised during the day. We’re looking forward to changing that this year. The café bar at the Beehive is a lovely, airy space with good facilities, including parking.”

The cafe will be open Monday to Friday from10.30am to 3.30pm, and on Saturday, 9.30am - 1pm.