A GROCERY shop and bar on The Pantiles has reopened after the building nearly sunk following a flood almost 14 months ago.
Oliver Greens, which sells local produce as well as drinks at its bar, has finally reopened after flooding in the basement forced it to close back in January 2022.
The shop’s owner, Claire Barrow, told the Times about the uncertain future the shop faced after the flooding, and her excitement to be back.
Ms Barrow said: “It was a long 14 months and I didn’t think it would take so much time, but it kept going on and on [and] I thought we might never be back.
“We think a water pump had started pumping water into the building, causing it to flood, so the whole building had to be underpinned. Now it looks amazing.
“It is great to be back, and I am really excited for summer, when we will be able to serve customers our summer menu at our outside seating area. I am also looking forward to a great Christmas with the shop.
Last week (March 15), Ms Barrow featured on ITV’s Good Morning Britain to talk about how winning £75,000 in a competition on the show had helped her and her family start the business.
Of the experience she told the Times: “Oh, it was great. ITV are an amazing group of people. I’ve had the pleasure of doing a few things with them now, and the fact they are advertising my business on television is great.”
Oliver Greens is open every day from 10am-5pm, with the bar open from 12pm-10.30pm.
