A Newbury cafe that was formerly an independent called The Baker's Lounge is now being run by a group of very close friends. 

Esquires Coffee on 21 Northbrook Street, Newbury, is a chain coffee shop that is currently being managed by Dheeraj Malik. 

"We started trading on July 10 and are part of the chain Esquires Coffee," he said. "It used to be the Baker's Lounge before."

Mr Malik explained that he wanted to open the cafe as he has a background in hospitality, notably working at the swanky Savoy Hotel in London. 

He said that he has always been open to working in the hospitality sector, and when he came across Esquires Coffee he felt really enthusiastic about the business. 

"The overall proposition and the product sounded really exciting. So that's why we were inclined to go for it. My other business partners both come from an IT background so they do more of behind-the-scenes stuff," he said. 

When asked how trading is going, Mr Malik said so far it has been going well. 

He continued "So far things have been going good. We were very busy for the first couple of weeks as expected, everyone wanted to try the new place.

"It's been quite consistent too which is good."

Mr Malik said that what makes them unique is that they provide top-quality food for brunch and lunches as well as the normal coffee and cake selection. 

"We do offer a lunch and breakfast service which has proven to be quite the hit among Newbury locals," he said. "Generally your typical Costa Coffee and Cafe Nero just do coffee and cakes and not actual cooked meals. 

"They only do toasties whereas we do proper lunches and brunches and all our sandwiches are made in-house rather than packaged food."

Mr Malik manages the cafe and all the other floor staff and supervisors are local to Newbury. 

The Baker's Lounge Bar which was situated at 21 Northbrook Street, Newbury, was previously advertised on Savills as looking for a new tenancy. 

Since then it was confirmed that the successful chain of coffee houses will be taking over the occupancy. 

This comes as many independents have had to shut up shop in Newbury and its surrounding area due to the rising costs of rent. 

A staple of Reading's independent businesses sadly closed its doors for good last year.

As previously reported, The Grumpy Goat, located on Union Street, closed after its landlord gave it a week's notice to vacate the premises.

It has been a staple on the high street for 10 years, but in an Instagram post the team at the Grumpy Goat said: “All good things must come to an end, but sometimes sooner than we would like."