Michelle and Jeremy raise the bar
Alan Bunce • Published 19 Mar 2010 11:14
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MICHELLE Bunce and Jeremy Duckett have set themselves the task of turning a failing bar into a profitable business - in their spare time.
By day, the couple run building company Build Inc in Woodley - and by night they run At The River, a new look bar and restaurant in Bridge Street, Caversham.
They stepped in to help out Michelle's brother Jake, joint-owner with Andrew Sawdon-Smith of Sawdey's Sports Bar and its previous incarnation, Pimlico restaurant.
The bar was losing money and Andrew wanted to get out so, with her brother's investment at risk, Michelle and Jeremy bought Andrew's share and set about turning its fortunes around.
Out went the pool table and dartboard and in came new paintings by Michelle and a new menu.
Michelle, who had never pulled a pint in her life, said: "We talked about it and thought where to pitch it as it has already been a high-end restaurant and also a low-end sports bar so why don't we try something in between."
Last Friday, scores of locals attended the launch of the new bar.
Diners get a spectacular riverside view and there is also a roof terrace. Oliver Iles, the award-winning the chef from the days of Pimlico restaurant, has returned to help them with the new menu and they have devised their own range of cocktails to quench the thirst.
Michelle added: "I realise we are facing a really difficult challenge. I have already had several sleepless nights but, on the up-side, everyone has been so supportive, especially the people of Caversham."
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