Rapids café given Costa makeover

10:39am Saturday 5th July 2008

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A PACKAGE of measures aimed at upgrading the former Source Café at Romsey Rapids is now complete. The old poolside café is now under the umbrella of Costa Coffee, which has pumped about £20,000 into the project, which includes new seating.

Rapids owner, Valley Leisur,e extended Costa Coffee's franchise lease to include the Source Café operation in a bid to improve the selection of food available to users.

Managing director of Premier Coffee Ltd, which trades as Costa Coffee, Robin Arkle, said: "Valley Leisure decided to expand the operation. We were already here and were offered the chance to expand. We've invested £20,000 in new equipment and refurbishment work. A new ice-cream vending machine and a new soft-drinks machine have been installed. We've had a positive reaction so far to what we've done, but some negative comment has come from the older generation because we don't have fried food. Chips are off the menu. We now offer a mostly healthy food option with a selection of sandwiches, which include gluten-free and low-fat options and fruit salads, among other things. However, we are not going to please everybody."

Children's parties are still being staged at Archie's Play World and pizzas and chicken nuggets and soft drinks are on the menu at these events.

"We believe we've added value to the Costa poolside lounge, the old Source Café site, and we've accommodated the over-50s age group with special offers," added Mr Arkle.