AN independent Winchester café has been taken over by a biking chain.

The Handlebar Café, in Garnier Road, is now being run by Cadence, a chain of biking hubs along the South Downs.

Former owner Heather Evans told the Chronicle that she had decided to step down from the business and that the take-over by Cadence came after months of talks.

Ms Evans said: “It’s been a really complex deal to get across the line, so we’re really pleased to get to today where Cadence have opened and are running everything. It’s really great and I’m 100 per cent confident they are going to take it on to bigger and better things.

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Cadence at the Handlebar CaféCadence at the Handlebar Café (Image: Cadence)

“We’re really proud of what we have accomplished. It was a scrap bit of land, SPUD built this beautiful building on it, and we became its first tenants and built it into a thriving café. And we’ve had a rollercoaster of five years.”

She continued: “We’ve really loved it, and we really love our customers, but it’s been really tough. Cadence approached me just as I was thinking ‘What’s my exit plan here? I’m getting old, what’s my route out eventually?’, and they approached me and I thought they were the perfect fit.

“I think they’ll do a brilliant job.”

Ms Evans said that she chose to leave the business due to “getting old”, noting that her children have grown up and moved out prompting her to think of what her future looks like.

She also revealed that she decided to close the Bespoke Biking hub in Winchester in April, with plans in place for it to reopen under new ownership soon.

Cadence took over the Handlebar Café – now renamed Cadence at The Handlebar Café – on Monday, July 15, with its first day of trading on Friday, July 19.

A spokesperson for Cadence said: “We're really excited to have taken over The Handlebar Cafe from Heather who did such a great job evidently but has now stepped away from the business.

“We know that it's a much-loved space that exists thanks to the efforts of many and we'll be taking great care of it. We simply aim to serve and connect with people who love the outdoors and provide them with a great cafe and service.

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“Cadence at The Handlebar Cafe is now the 6th Cadence Clubhouse networking the South Downs Way, joining others at Cocking Hill, Upwaltham, Litlington, Beachy Head and Eastbourne. We've remained true to our concept when we first launched in 2020 and are committed to good health, sustainable living, responsible enjoyment and respect for the environment and for each other.

“Local foodie and coffee addict Justin Fearn is heading up the team of staff here, the majority of whom worked for Heather.”

More information can be found on the Cadence website.