Potential premises for Ham and Jam Coffee Shop

A new, independent coffee shop is looking to fill an empty building and “put a smile back on Lancaster Road.”

Richard Lowthian, director of Ham and Jam Independent Coffee Shop has high hopes for his venture, which will fill the former drop-in centre, which has been empty for six years.

Richard, who is waiting for confirmation on planning permission, is in the final stages of signing the lease and is feeling confident that the coffee shop will be given the go ahead, “All the discussions we have had with the Estate department and planning department have been really really positive. We have been talking to them now for four or five months and they have been really flexible with the amount of times I have wanted access to the building to draw plans and see the premises.

“We are not looking to make massive changes. We love the building as well, love the architecture.”

Richard also highlighted the key differences that will make Ham and Jam Coffee shop unique to others, “We felt that there’s lots of coffee shops in Preston but we felt there was something missing – more urban and modern.

“I think what’s going to be unique about us, we are working with really enthusiastic and inspiring young businesses.”

These include J. Atkinson & Co. Ltd who will supply coffee and train new staff, The Ginger Baker in Longridge, Carl Jaffers a UCLan graduate in graphic design, and Dan Marc who has been commissioned to design the coffee bar.

Richard says that their local influence and their enthusiasm and passion, meets the vision he has for his business.

Real emphasis has been put on the local sourcing, with suppliers and goods coming from around Preston and Lancashire, “From market research we have undertaken, people – they want to know where their food is coming from. Our staff will definitely know where their food is coming from – that’s what’s going to make us different.”

Ham and Jam Coffee Shop will also be working with Matt Stanton, to create a short film to show the journey of the coffee shop, and reach out to people while in keeping with the cultural aspects that area of the city offers.

Up to 5 new jobs will be created if the development is given the green light, with local people encouraged to apply.

For more information, take a look at their Facebook page.