Rugby businesswoman unveils exciting new plans for the Boots building in the town centre

It is arguably one of the most beautiful buildings in Rugby's town centre, and now the former Boots building on High Street is about to begin an exciting new chapter in its history.

The stunning building, one of the last surviving examples of the original design for Boots stores, was home to Rugby's much-loved Sumersault cafe for almost 30 years until leaseholders Eileen and Mike Jeffs retired.

It was then renovated before opening as Pharmasea in September 2017 but, unfortunately, Pharmasea closed for good in January last year - and the building had been empty ever since.

Now a successful Rugby businesswoman has stepped forward and the space will reopen as 'Cave' on Saturday, October 24.

Anna Jones has run the Sweet A cafe on Chapel Street for more than four years, but she said she is ready for a bigger challenge.

She said: "I'd been running Sweet A for four-and-a-half years and I'd really wanted to get a bigger space for a while now.

"It's going to sound a bit crazy, but in the summer I got a tarot card reading and they told me 'you will have a bigger place soon, I can see Summersault'.

"The idea of getting a bigger space had already been in my head for a long time, it's something I'd been planning to do - and that helped to make my mind up.

"It just sort of fell on me - it was during the lockdown, I was at home and I knew the space here was available, it was the only place available at the time.

"I booked a viewing and loved it. The kitchen is beautiful and it's the same size as the whole of Sweet A."

When asked if she thought the decision to open up now was brave, Anna said: "For me it's now or never.

"There's always something going on - in 2009 we had the financial crash and things kept going.

"I started small with Sweet A, I learned from my mistakes and got years of experience.

"Now I'm ready to take on staff and run a bigger space."

Anna said Rugbeians need safe places to socialise and enjoy themselves now more than ever.

"With Sumersault there was a great business here for 25 years, they built a reputation for high quality.

"I must admit I'm really proud to be here and I hope to be able to carry that reputation on.

"Pharmasea closed, but that doesn't mean this place can't be successful."

What will Cave be like? Anna said: "We're going back to the eighties, we're going to have all the old rock.

"There's going to be live music as well."

Anna, a biker who currently rides a 700cc Yamaha, said there will be a biker theme to the space.

"Bikers will be very welcome here," she said, "So will young people and families with children and dogs.

"The menu is going to be unique, it'll be European, but of course we will be serving English breakfasts too!

"I want Cave to be a place where families can come and enjoy a meal and, on Saturday nights, young people can come to socialise with their friends, have a few drinks and enjoy live music."

Cave will be open for the first time from 10am until 10pm on Saturday, October 24.

There will be no booking required for the first day, with Anna adding that she will see how things go before looking at implementing a booking system.

Visit www.facebook.com/Cave-108875850934897 to keep up with the latest updates.