Fur coffee lovers: dog friendly café to come to town

Monday 02 October 2017

Dogs could soon have a place to put their paws up and tell 'tails' while their owners enjoy a coffee in town. The owner of the St Brelade's Barista coffee bar is planning to open a new establishment in Beresford Street with the same tasty milkshakes and even some new recipes.

Sarah Fraser is hoping to open her new Barista where Jacks Clothing used to be in Beresford Street, later this month if her planning application is approved.

Based behind M&S at Red Houses, the St Brelade establishment is already a hit with humans and four-legged friends alike and now Ms Fraser is hoping to replicate the success in town. She told Express: "We are very happy with what we have in St Brelade and I think it will be great for the coffee bar to also have a town presence. After 10 months, the time is right. It will give more people, and dogs, the opportunity to come in."

Opened in December 2016, Barista already has 3,791 fans, not counting the pups, on its Facebook page. But the open door policy towards dogs is not the only reason why they keep coming back. Barista's infamous hot chocolates and milkshakes seem to be some of the ingredients for the popularity of the café. Made with Nutella and Maltesers and topped with marshmallows, flakes, one of them is even named 'Stanley' after Ms Fraser's beloved pooch and mascot of the café. Also on offer are extravagant cakes, cheescakes and pastries as well as savoury treats.

Pictured: Barista has some extravagant recipes for hot-chocolates and milkshakes.

The owner promised that the town menu will be the same as in St Brelade, but with some additions. She said: "It is a coffee bar so we won't be making food to order. We will have a selection of cakes, toasties, sandwiches and some soups, all produced by ourselves. We will also have our ridiculous hot chocolates and hot drinks and will be bringing in new recipes especially for the town opening. And of course, Stanley will be visiting!"

Ms Fraser is hoping to open in town later this month "to surf on the Autumn wave leading to the Christmas period which should be great," she explained. The opening date is however subject to the approval of Ms Fraser's planning application and the work of the contractors who will have to transform the clothing shop into a trendy café.

Pictured: Barista is also famous for its scrumptious cakes.

While she isn't quite in the final stages yet, Ms Fraser can already count on the support of her customers, some of whom have taken the time to write letters in support of her application. One of them said the idea of a town location was "great," adding "Her service and quality products are a delight and much needed in town. The location and building will support her successful combination."

Another couple, frequent users of the St. Brelade café which they describe as "fantastic," wrote: "It would be great if there was a café in town that offers good service and where dogs are welcomed. We would definitely be very happy to have a place for a coffee and a delicious cake with our two pugs to give us strength for the shopping ahead."

Pictured: The location of the soon-to-be first dog-friendly coffee bar in town.

As for Ms Fraser she is waiting for the next stage, after recently signing her lease. She is already looking forward to meeting new customers and their dogs in town. Speaking of the success Barista encountered in St. Brelade: "We have been very fortunate. We have a great following and loyal customers who give us such lovely reviews."