Marina cafe project is drawing crowds

Family-run marina is proving a success

THINGS are going just swimmingly for the family-run Bosworth Marina with the success of its recently launched cafe.

Thanks to the help of a £16,000 grant from a European funding programme, Cafe 1804 opened in the summer following months of preparatory work to alter the visitor building and upgrade outside space.

A kitchen, food preparation area and toilets were created, providing a 100-cover eaterie with views over the marina.

The project was one of a number of local ventures to benefit from the North Warwickshire and Hinckley and Bosworth LEADER programme which gives grants to boost rural businesses and increase trade and employment opportunities in the countryside.

Josh Trivett, from the marina off the Ashby Canal, said: “My team are really happy with the way the cafe is progressing. Our chef Will is producing some great dishes and our traditional afternoon teas are amazing.

“The views from the cafe overlooking the marina are also a bonus. The LEADER programme has really helped us progress this venture.”

Cafe 1804, so titled because of the date the Ashby Canal was built, has already created four full-time equivalent jobs and provides an additional outlet for local farmers and producers.

It is estimated there will be an increase in turnover of the business by £80,000 in the first year of opening, £100,000 by year two and £120,000 by year three.

Plans to expand are already in place with ideas for a more comprehensive menu. Revenue will be reinvested to help grow the business.

Currently the cafe offers traditional and sparkling afternoon teas - where booking is advised - hearty breakfasts, fresh light bites and sandwiches, classic main courses and grazing boards. Hot and cold beverages, including alcohol from the bar, are also available.

It also hosts events, most recently a Greek-themed night and a Macmillan Cancer Support fundraiser.

The 150-berth Bosworth Marina opened in 2014, and is based just outside the historic town of Market Bosworth, close to the site of The Battle of Bosworth.

The 20-acre site has been in the Trivett family for more than 60 years, previously belonging to Harry Trivett, a well-known local farmer and his wife Sally.

Redeveloped by grandsons Josh and Ben, the marina boasts luxury moorings, a wetland area and a Special Site of Scientific Interest habitat area.

They and their parents Robert and Helen also farm more than 700 acres of grass and arable crops, together with single suckler herds of South Devon and Limousin cattle, as well as carrying out agricultural, building and civil engineering contracting.

The original farm, based at Witherley, is home to Witherley Boarding Kennels and Cattery, and Dun-Roamin‘, a charity, which cares for and rehomes stray dogs.