WHEN you decide to update your business, you don't expect there to be a worldwide pandemic.
However that is exactly what happened to Ann-Marie Owens when she decided to not renew the licence on the Corporation Street former home of Phoenix Plant Based Eatery and instead decided to move into the former Elle Boutique on Bridge Street.
She said: "I ended up taking the venue on Bridge Street and started work on doing it up to be the new Phoenix.
"But then coronavirus hit and the workmen couldn't get in and due to a hold up with paper work we weren't entitled to any funding, even though Phoenix just moved, it never closed.
"It's been really hard but we did a lot of the work ourselves in our bubbles.
"It's not been easy at all, we've had zero money coming in, but like our name, this Phoenix is ready to rise from the ashes and reopen on Hallowe'en.
"We offered a few people cakes and coffees the other day and they enjoyed them, so I think I've not forgotten what I'm doing, just about doing it safely in the current times.
"We've upcycled everything as well, and we will be adhering to the social distancing guidelines but we are very excited to be opening soon and hope everyone will come and visit the new Phoenix.
"We still have concessions from other businesses too, so the same is on offer, please come and see us."
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