Entrepreneur Matthew Wilson has designs on making his mark in Lincoln with the launch of an upmarket coffee shop and wine bar.
Lincoln-based commercial agent Banks Long & Co today revealed that it has leased a former fashion shop in the city’s upper High Street to the young businessman, who is now hard at work fitting out the premises.
Banks Long & Co said this part of the High Street is seeing a revival and Mr Wilson’s decision to breathe new life into the old Diversion outlet comesat a time when this area is beginning to reap the benefits of a range of recent investments.
The latest venue, which will be known as New York, will boost the choice of eating, drinking and socialising venues for city workers, shoppers and visitors.
Mr Wilson, who has a Law Degree from the University of Hull, is originally from Boston, but has lived in Lincoln for the past couple of years and has noticed how the city is continuing to evolve.
“My parents, David and Caroline Wilson own similar premises in Boston and I have worked there for many years throughout school and university. That inspired me to think about starting my own business,” he said.
“This part of Lincoln is fairly lively in the daytime, very popular in the evenings and seems to be getting busier. Several other businesses have been investing in this stretch of the High Street.”
Mr Wilson is creating a coffee shop and wine bar with an American-style feel, which will offer a range of favourite snacks and drinks to eat-in or takeaway during the daytime.
“I am planning to seat about 60 people, by putting tables and chairs over several floors of the building, as well as a few outside. I will hopefully be creating around ten jobs and also working in the business myself.
“The idea is to open from 8am right through until late. At around 8pm, New York will be transformed into a wine bar offering a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks,” added Mr Wilson.
Banks Long & Co Surveyor Matthew Brooks said: “Number 284 High Street is in a prime retail location.
“The letting of these premises is another example of the high demand being seen for this type of property in Lincoln. This unit attracted a good level of interest and we received several serious offers.
“Mr Wilson is a local entrepreneur who is capitalising on the recent growth seen along this section of the High Street, on the back of recent lettings which Banks Long has agreed with businesses such as Patisserie Valerie and Salador,” added Mr Brooks.
