When Pavan and Yaad Johal bought a grade two listed building in the town centre at the beginning of last year the country went into national lockdown within a few days.

But the ambitious couple didn’t let the pandemic dampen their plans to turn the former Natwest Parr’s Bank on Winwick Street into a successful business and this week they opened their doors and welcomed customers to Counter’s Coffee Bar.

Warrington Guardian: Photo credit: Girl About CheshirePhoto credit: Girl About Cheshire

The Victorian building, which dates back to 1877, has been vacant since the bank closed in 2015 and had fallen into a state of disrepair but, in their first round of renovations, Pavan and Yaad have converted the downstairs space into a coffee shop serving takeaway drinks as well as hot and cold food.

The Appleton couple, whose backgrounds are in the hotel and fashion industries, are hoping to open an aparthotel with 16 guest bedrooms and turn the banking hall into event space for weddings and afternoon tea experiences.

Warrington Guardian: Photo credit: Girl About CheshirePhoto credit: Girl About Cheshire

Pavan, who is 28, said: “Our original plan was to focus on the upstairs space and rent out downstairs but when Covid-19 hit, we had to rethink what we wanted.

“We didn’t want to compromise on quality and we wanted to offer people the best.

“We have our own ideas about how we want to run the business and we know our strengths.

“We have hired the best baristas who have worked at five star hotels in the past and we are confident that we can deliver the best.

“After a fantastic opening day, we are hoping to specialise in authentic Indian toasties – just like we eat at home.

“We have locally sourced products from around Cheshire and we’ve partnered with other businesses like White Lace Cakes Bakery, who supply the cookies, brownies and cakes that we sell.”

Warrington Guardian: Photo credit: Girl About CheshirePhoto credit: Girl About Cheshire

The heated garden terrace, which at the moment can seat 26 people, has been adorned with a stunning floral display created by Event Cheshire which incorporates an ornate bicycle along one wall.

The floral feature was created in a just a few days with the theme continuing inside the building and into the coffee bar.

Emma Leanne Smith from Event Cheshire, who created the displays, said: "Being well travelled, the couple have visited many cities with spectacular floral installations designed to entice people into all manner of places and they wanted Parr's Bank to be no exception.

"We chose greenery as a base to give the colours chance to pop out and we believe we have created a beautiful sight welcoming people into the town centre."

Pavan and Yaad are hoping to be able to offer event bookings later this year.

Warrington Guardian: Photo credit: Girl About CheshirePhoto credit: Girl About Cheshire

Warrington Guardian: Photo credit: Girl About CheshirePhoto credit: Girl About Cheshire

Warrington Guardian: Photo credit: Girl About CheshirePhoto credit: Girl About Cheshire

Warrington Guardian: Photo credit: Girl About CheshirePhoto credit: Girl About Cheshire

Warrington Guardian: Photo credit: Girl About CheshirePhoto credit: Girl About Cheshire

Warrington Guardian: Photo credit: Girl About CheshirePhoto credit: Girl About Cheshire