A CAFÉ in Winchester is set to be given a new lease of life and a colour change.

James Ashby has applied to Winchester City Council to paint 28-29 St Thomas Street, formerly Café Winchester, pink.

The premises is currently undergoing a refit to open in mid-November as a brunch café bar, named Ashby’s.

Mr Ashby has said that the café will be pink and flower themed, similar to that of Peggy Porschen, in Belgravia, London.

Ahead of submitting the application, Mr Ashby consulted with the Winchester Conservation team and Winchester City Council principle planning officer Robert Green and discussed various shades to consider.

The application said: “We have undertaken some research of other buildings painted pink in Winchester and ensured the shade of pink is in keeping with them.”

The building is currently painted beige and green, but the shade of pink proposed in Valspar Pink Pram.

Speaking on Ashby’s Instagram page, Mr Ashby said: “Ashby's has been something I have been dreaming of creating for many years. A while back I went to a really cool place called 'Bill's' in West Sussex, a theatre/kitchen like experience and original concept cafe that totally inspired me and planted the seed to create my own experiential dining offering.

"I’ve been obsessed ever since and after a few conversations and a pandemic, it all began!

"In February 2021, we launched the "Coffee Can" in Hursley, just outside Winchester. It was an amazing experience. So many residents complimented the addition to the village… word got around and the queue just grew and grew!

"Following the success of the "Coffee Can" and a change in direction during and after lockdown, the once just-a-dream of opening a cafe has now become a reality and Ashby's has been born. The past few years have really seen a change in dining experiences, mainly due to the rise in social media and the way we interact.

"Ashby's aims to provide a unique dining experience with a difference, making memorable moments in Winchester.”