Popular Stray’s cafe will officially open at The Ossington on Beastmarket Hill, Newark this week

After standing empty for years, one of Newark’s most eye-catching buildings is set to finally reopen to the public.

Popular cafe and bistro Stray’s moved into The Ossington on Beastmarket Hill in November, three years after Zizzi’s pulled out of the town during the covid pandemic.

Originally built as a teahouse and coffee palace in 1882 for the Viscountess Ossington, Stray’s moving in to the grade-two listed building could be seen as returning it to it’s roots.

Now they will officially open their doors for their first full day of trading tomorrow (January 19), promising a welcoming and friendly atmosphere and an expanded range of food and drinks.

The cafe, which was previously based on Middlegate for the past 20 years became a popular one stop shop for coffee, cake, food and even live music in Newark and attracted a loyal base of customers.

Co-founder and owner, Mat Short, said: “I know people that have been coming to us since day one, so I’m looking forward to welcoming all of our regulars to our new home and hopefully meet some new faces too.

“What we want to do here is keep what has made us so successful, we want to be a place that everyone feels welcome.

“There should be a relationship between a business and it’s customers, because we’re very passionate but we couldn’t do it without them.

“This is a new chapter for us. It will still feel like the same old Stray’s, we’ve just moved.”

Now, The Ossington’s larger, more spacious setting has opened up opportunities for expansion, with new opening hours from 7.30am to 11.30pm, making the most of the morning and evening crowds.

As customers enter the building they are greeted at the coffee counter where they can either take a seat while waiting for a takeaway order or get comfy in one of the many armchairs and sofas.

The rear half of the building is set up for more formal dining, with tables, chairs and booths for sit down meals.

A garden patio, which overlooks the River Trent with views of Newark Castle, will be opened in the warmer months for a relaxed alfresco dining experience.

Every Friday and Saturday evening, as well as Sunday afternoons, there will be live music to enjoy on a purpose built stage.

Stray's have also reinstated the pizza oven and kitchen from when Zizzi's were at The Ossington, in order to expand their food offer, with separate breakfast, lunch and evening menus.

Breakfast will be served until 11am and light bites will be available to order at lunch from 11.30am until 3pm.

There will be a brief break from 3pm to 5pm, when visitors can still enjoy coffee and items from the counter, before the evening menu opens for orders from 5pm onwards alongside an extensive cocktail menu.

Mat said: “We want to make this place a destination.

“We’re doing it all. If you want to come and stay all night, you can.

“Pop in for a meal, enjoy a cocktail and listen to some live music.

“If you’re a business you can hold a meeting here, come for breakfast and we’ll give you a 20% discount.

“Or just enjoy a relaxed coffee and a chat in a cozy seat with one of our homemade cakes.”

Initially, Stray’s will be open from 7.30am to 5pm from Monday to Thursday during the winter months and 7.30am to 11.30pm the rest of the week.