Village Green Lane, BN20

The Hikers Rest Coffee shop is ideally situated in one of the country's most visited areas. It is a thriving business which is busy all year round and is popular with both locals and visitors. There is a commitment to local ingredients and homemade products, with food served throughout the day.

Location
The coffee shop occupies a prime position on the iconic Village Green in East Dean. It immediately adjoins the village green and famous Tiger Inn and benefits from free car parking only a few steps away. Situated close to the South Downs Way, it is a primary stop-off for visitors to Birling Gap, Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters. The site benefits from a large, free car park only meters away, and excellent public transport links to Eastbourne, Seaford and Brighton.

East Dean is in the heart of the South Downs National Park close to Beachy Head and Birling Gap - which attract over 1.5 million visitors each year. The village green of East Dean is a delightful conservation area with many flint-faced buildings, the popular pub, restaurant and delicatessen. There are many visitors to the village with around 300,000 coming each year - many of them attracted by the excellent walking and cycling on offer in the surrounding area.

Business
The business serves a range of breakfasts, light lunches and afternoon teas, snacks, pastries, cakes, etc. There is also a selection of barista coffees, teas, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks on offer. Everything from cakes and pastries to jams and chutneys is made fresh on-site. The current wet/dry split is approximately 50/50. Although not actively marketed, the quality of the food and drink has created demand for outside catering for local events at the nearby village hall. Turnover is increasing year on year and there is scope to develop the business further - particularly through the development of the outside catering offering, possibly introducing evening openings and online marketing.

The Premises
The premises are very well equipped, well-maintained and decorated to a high standard throughout. It includes:

Main Seating Area - 92 sq m. An airy 'L'-shaped area with ample space to comfortably accommodate 48 covers.

Kitchen - 18.4 sq m. A fully equipped commercial kitchen with extraction.

Storeroom - 9.9 sq m. Dry store with several fridges.

Ladies & Gents WCs - with disabled access.

Outside - There is outside seating at both the side, on the village green, and the rear of the premises with space for a further 48 covers. There is also private parking for three vehicles.