Thriving Café in Prime Carlisle Location with Unique Bubble Tea Offering
£105,000
£188,000
£40,700
Overview
Leasehold
2022
- Excellent Reputation
- Very Loyal Customer Base
- Huge Growth Potential
- Well Equipped Business
Launched in 2022, this popular café offers a unique dining experience, specialising in bubble tea, milkshakes, smoothies, coffee, and a diverse food menu.
Centrally located in the bustling Lanes Shopping Centre in Carlisle, one of the area's busiest spots, with 10–12 million annual visitors, the café enjoys high foot traffic and a prime position next to Carlisle Library.
With its quirky dinosaur theme, exceptional service, and high-quality offerings, the café has become a local favourite, attracting families, young professionals, and students alike.
While it receives some deliveries via JustEat and Deliveroo, the majority of trade comes from passing customers within the shopping centre.
With no direct competitors for bubble tea in Carlisle, this business holds a unique advantage in the local market. The owner is reluctantly selling due to relocation.
The business runs independently, without the owner working on site, and has done for the last 2 years, making this a great hands off opportunity.
With a proven track record of success, it is ideally positioned for growth, requiring minimal additional staff to scale operations. The café’s strong, loyal customer base provides an excellent foundation for further expansion.
The business is situated in a corner unit within the central atrium of the Lanes Shopping Centre, featuring expansive 90° serving areas, a dedicated service counter, and a small kitchen at the rear. The lease includes 14 covers within the central atrium.
Complemented by a quirky dinosaur theme, the eye-catching décor creates an inviting atmosphere that resonates with families and young customers.
The unit is fully equipped with a high-end coffee machine, an automatic milk steamer, two blender systems, two ice makers, a milk shaker, chest freezers, fridges, a Polar open-style cabinet, and a modern PoS system.
The owner operates largely hands-off, with a full-time manager overseeing daily operations alongside six part-time staff.
The business thrives on foot traffic and repeat customers, benefiting from strong organic reach and minimal reliance on in-house advertising.
The business has significant scope for expansion. Extending opening hours beyond 10:00–17:30 (11:00–17:30 on weekdays) could boost sales.
Enhancing the online ordering system and developing a grab-and-go menu, including sandwiches and hot food, would further drive revenue.
There is also massive potential for handmade gelato or ice cream, an untapped market despite strong demand from the 18.1 million annual Lake District visitors, many of whom now stay in Carlisle due to rising accommodation costs.
Increased digital marketing via social media, Google Ads, and local influencers can attract new customers, especially with the University of Cumbria’s arrival in the city centre.
An owner-operator focused on these initiatives could significantly increase profitability in this thriving, high-footfall location.
Features
Key Information
- Number of Covers: 14
- Delivery Services: Deliveroo, Just Eat
- Hygiene Rating: 5
Reputation
- Google: 4.7
- TripAdvisor: Excellent
Online Presence
- Facebook: Yes
- Instagram: Yes
Location
- Shopping Centre Location
- Close to Local Businesses
- High Footfall
- On-Site Car Parking
- Limited Competition