Chesterfield Borough Council opens new cafe in town's Market Hall

The authority - which says it needs to be 'more commercial' to raise money for services amid Government cuts - granted itself conditional planning permission earlier this year to open and operate the cafe.

The Market Cafe's Facebook page says it offers 'fantastic quality barista-style coffee and speciality teas from local suppliers as well as a great selection of locally-sourced cakes, bakes, scones, sandwiches and paninis'.

As previously reported, Market Place Cafe - which used to be based in the Market Hall - closed in February after the council decided to end the tenancy.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy said: “Since Chesterfield Market Café opened in June, we have received lots of positive feedback from customers.

“We have made a conscious decision to support local businesses by sourcing our products locally including coffee from Arden Coffee, tea from Northern Tea Merchants and cakes from Liza Bakes, Smiggle Kitchen and Lambs Cupcakes based in the Market Hall.

“This is also increasing the number of visitors to the Market Hall and encouraging people to support the existing traders based inside and outside the building.

“Since 2010, the amount of funding the council receives from the Government has reduced by more than half. By investing in services such as Chesterfield Market Café and running them on a commercial basis we are able to offer excellent service to customers while protecting our residents for cuts in services.”

The council has received a 54.2 per cent cut in central Government funding since 2010-11.

During 2017-18, the council has to make another £209,000 of reductions, which bring the total amount of cuts since 2010-11 to £5.186million.

Chesterfield Market Hall reopened in 2013 following a major £4m refurbishment.