New café and jazz bar fusion opens on Northbrook Street, Newbury

There is a new jazz bar in town. You can now grab a pasty and a pint from The Bakers Lounge Bar on Northbrook Street.

The family-run business opened just over a week ago and offers a fusion experience, consisting an intimate coffee shop downstairs and bar space upstairs.

Couple David and Lily Redding-Lang run the café and bar with their son Yves Wenger and Thatcham based employee Matt Clulow.

Downstairs offers an array or pastries, cakes and light bites with both hot and cold drinks; with more seating and a hand-made bar upstairs for those who fancy something slightly stronger.

Former British Airways stewardess Mrs Redding-Lang said: “This is very much an independent business with a family feel and Newbury has been extremely welcoming to us.

“People wanted somewhere where you could sit down.

Her husband Mr Redding-Lang, added: “We have got quality food, quality service and we have got great coffee."

The pair married in Sunningdale and were landlords at the Sunningdale Lounge pub where they met their now-business partner Arron Cocking, of the Cornish Pasty Company.

They sold the pub and joined forces with Mr Cocking, managing the Land’s End Pasty Company, before moving onto their new jazz-centred venture.

Son Yves said: “I just got back from Dubai but I was straight in here to help."

Mr Wegner, who prides himself on the quality of his products, said: "I am passionate about the coffee and have worked it to perfection.

"People tell us that some other companies are cutting back, increasing prices or offering less. But they enjoy it here.

“We are customer orientated, it makes them feel special.

“Not only do we know people by their coffee order but we know them by their names."

But why did the family opt for the jazz theme? “For the relaxation of it,” explained Mr Redding-Lang.

“I don’t play but I did get into smooth jazz and there are so many amazing jazz musicians, just look at Peter White, look at Acoustic Alchemy and Level 42."

He said that, despite only having been open for a week, the cafe already has its regulars and the team are getting to know them well.

"They sit down with us and just have a chat," he said. "It is that kind of relaxed environment."