Former Ellesmere bank is given a new lease of life

The former Natwest building based in Scotland Street, has been opened as a new ‘local food’ shop named Moolah.

Moolah aims to be a sustainable business which limits packaging waste and encourages people to buy only what they need.

The shop, a joint venture by friends Emma Cardwell and Dave Atkins, and Pip Elms and her husband James Need, opened on Saturday.

Chartered accountant, Pip, said that the opening of the shop had been a dream come true.

“Emma and Dave are friends who run a cafe from their narrowboat, travelling the Llangollen Canal,” said Pip.

“We met in Ellesmere when they began mooring here in 2017 and became friends.

“They wanted to expand their business and I have always dreamed of working in the food and hospitality industry.

“When the old Natwest bank came up for auction, we proposed to Emma and Dave that we buy the building and from there, the idea of creating a store specialising in local food and drink developed.”

The group of friends aim to make their shop as environmentally-friendly and sustainable as they can.

“Our ethos is to be as low impact as possible,” Pip added. “To limit packaging and give people the opportunity to only buy what they need and not in prescribed quantities.

“The focus is on quality and to create a pleasant shopping experience.

“We were especially keen that the building be used to bring life to the town and more visitors, who will hopefully benefit the other local shops.

“Emma and Dave bring the catering expertise and my husband and I bring the business management experience.

“It’s a dream come true for us.”

Moolah boasts a lounge where speciality tea and coffee, or wine and local beer can be enjoyed, with food sourced from the shop.

It will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am until 8pm, and on Sunday from 10am to 6pm, to give those that work during the week a chance to pick up groceries for dinner.

A range of tasty homemade ready meals and produce from various local suppliers is on offer.