Plans for food venues to open in Wiltshire town centre welcomed

In early October, the Wiltshire Times reported that several businesses were due to open in Trowbridge town centre this month.

Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce has since confirmed that new venues will open “very soon”.

The business group’s chair Kez Garner has urged residents and shoppers to make the most of the new offerings to ensure these independent businesses thrive.

She said: “I am delighted to see more shops opening and food places included in that.

READ MORE: New food venues set to open in Wiltshire town centre

The new LJ Hugs restaurant on the corner of Bythesea Road opposite the approach to Trowbridge Railway Station. (Image: Jose Gonvales)

“Please look out for their launch events and prepare to come down to support all these new businesses, as well as all our existing ones.

“There are more coming but they have not announced themselves yet. The front of Castle Place will look quite vibrant by the end of the month.”

The new arrivals include the multi-award-winning LJ Hugs street food venture, which is setting up shop in the former Davana Thai restaurant in Stallard Street, opposite Trowbridge railway station.

LJ Hugs will be joined by Food Amore, a family run business offering homemade dishes from unit one of The Shires Shopping Centre, and Plan B Café which is also opening at The Shires Microshops.

Two other fast food outlets will also be opening in October or early November. They are The Chicken Stop, which is taking over the former JC’s Kitchen unit at Castle Place, and The Sandwich Hub, also in Castle Place.

Ms Garner also confirmed that Soma Health and Beauty salon will open on Fore Street in the former Dream Rassasy premises.

Meanwhile, the Ruksak45218 charity has taken a new premises at Castle Place, in the old Shaws drapery store.

Volunteer coordinator Martin Gailey sorting out the men’s clothes rail at the new Ruksak charity outlet in Castle Place. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Other new businesses likely to open in Trowbridge this month include Mini Market Express, in a Castle Place unit previously occupied by McColls, and leisure business Relax Recover next to Caesar’s coffee shop in The Courtyard at the Gateway shopping mall.

Residents have given a warm welcome to the prospect of having a greater choice in the town centre shopping areas.

Trowbridge Town Council leader, Cllr Stewart Palmen said: “With 40K people living in the Trowbridge area there is enough business to go around if their business model is good.”

Dave Davidson said: “Really looking forward to LJ Hugs opening, their food is fantastic and will save me a trip to Bath when I'm there!”

Cllr Palmen responded: “I had a look around their new place on Stallard Street last week and it is excellent. Really looking forward to it opening!”

Someone using the username Docktour Peppah responded: “They will be very successful in Trowbridge judging by the long queues at their catering stall in Bath, it smells very nice when I walk past.”

Another with the username Feedtheducks123 commented: “Great news for our town. I am really hoping some of these cater for food allergies so I can try them.”

Alfie Moon added: “Great news. Trowbridge is definitely looking up at last and a sense if optimism is in the air. I can't wait to try some new food outlets.”

Phil Hill said: “Occupation generates income, footfall increases income, vibrancy increases, the town is a winner.”

Posting on social media, Clarissa Croft said: “We need more homeware and clothing shops.”

Jo Sutton added: “Well done to those businesses for opening up empty retail units, no matter what it is you do.

“It's a shame people who moan about what businesses there are, don't put their money where their mouth is.”