Camden New Journal - News: Coffee Cup safe in my hands, vows new owner

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Camden New Journal - by DAN CARRIER
Published: 15 November 2007

The new owner restaurateur Rinaldo Mollura

Coffee Cup safe in my hands, vows new owner

THE new owner of the Coffee Cup has pledged that any changes he makes will improve the legendary Hampstead café.
Italian restaurateur Rinaldo Mollura, who has run Villa Bianca in Perrins Court, Hampstead, since 1984, bought the Coffee Cup this month.
Regulars fear he will try to cash in on its prime position in the middle of Hampstead High Street by modernising the lounge, which was established in 1953 and has hardly changed since.
But Napolese-born Mr Mollura, whose restaurant Villa Bianca is one of Hampstead’s best known eating places, said of the Coffee Cup: “I am aware of how much customers love it as it is.
“I am not sure what I plan to do yet, and I have no firm ideas about changing anything.”
But he is to spruce up the café, improve the kitchens and consider ways of making the downstairs area more attractive.
He added; “I am also considering applying for a licence so I can serve a glass of wine.”
The Coffee Cup has been threatened with modernisation in the past – a plan 10 years ago to shut it in its present form sparked an 8,000-signature petition protest, backed by actors Emma Thompson and Tom Conti.
Mr Mollura added: “I will work hard to make it popular with the people who go there already – that is the only way I know how to do business.”

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: