Cafe 24: I came to Blackpool because it's buzzing and people have already been knocking on my door

Cafe 24, run by owner Aaron-Lee Hirst, 31, has relocated after outgrowing its previous site with the move aimed at giving the business more space and long-term expansion opportunities.

Aaron said the decision came after the cafe reached capacity at its former location which seated around 56 customers.

The new venue significantly increases capacity with space for around 80 customers indoors, nearly 40 outside and additional potential for an upstairs function or business area in the future.

He said the move marks the next step for the business which has built a strong reputation locally and won awards during its time trading in Blackpool.

Aaron, said: “It all just started really with us outgrowing the space. We’ve built this brand over 6 years and made it into an award-winning business, but we only had seating for around 56 people, so we needed more room.

“We felt like we had hit a barrier in terms of where we could grow, so we decided to sell Cafe 25. Then a new premises came up a lot quicker than we anticipated.

“The new site, which used to be Cookies, allows us to seat around 80 people inside and just under 40 outside. We’ve also got upstairs, which we hope to turn into a function or business space in the future, so we’re looking at over 100 covers overall.

“It’s been stressful - if someone says moving house is easy, try moving a business. It’s been hard, but we’re just looking forward to opening now and welcoming people back in.

“Cafe 25 was family-run, and this one is also family-run, but completely separate from whoever is taking over the old site.”

“We’re also looking ahead and in time I’d like to open more and possibly create a chain across the Fylde coast.”

The new cafe will continue to offer a broad menu, including gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options, which Aaron said remains a key focus due to his own dietary requirements.

“Blackpool has been amazing. The community supported us through Covid, through the awards we’ve won, and people have literally been knocking on the door asking when we’re reopening.”

“We’ll still offer gluten-free options as I follow a gluten-free diet myself, along with vegan and vegetarian choices, and we’ve expanded the menu even further at the new site.”

Despite the challenges of the move, Aaron stated at how the community support has been overwhelming with customers eagerly awaiting the reopening.