REVAMP FOR POPULAR CAFE

Gillian Harwood, director of Lewes Workspace, which owns the Victorian shopping complex in West Street, said: 'We are aware that Lewes has become a very stylish town with some beautiful new shops and exciting cafes and restaurants.

'We are planning to improve the whole of The Needlemakers over the coming year, but the caf is such a popular draw that we knew we had to start there.'

Roman Grill, who has a French lifestyle shop in the building, is to redesign the interior of the caf to make it lighter, brighter and more imaginative.

He has also been asked to bring in new ideas for the menu, using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible.

The emphasis will remain on keeping the caf as a friendly meeting place.

The Needlemakers was always conceived as a place where new retail businesses could start and develop.

Said Gillian: 'We are proud that, since opening in 1985, no fewer than 25 shops in Lewes High Street '“ past and present '“ originally started in the Needlemakers.'

Suat Urunsak, who has been running the caf for six years, is no exception.

From January he will also be moving to the High Street.