A café owner has thanked the community as it reopened at a new location.

As previously reported, Emma Ayles had to close the site of her café, the Caddy Shack, a transformed shipping container based at the Weymouth Rugby Club car park, on Monmouth Avenue after complaints from a nearby neighbour last December.

She then re-opened the business from inside the clubhouse after an online petition was signed by more than 3,000 people, whilst she worked closely with the rugby club to find an alternative solution.

Following another planning application going through, a new site at the rugby club was agreed in April.

Now, the café has gone through renovations and the new site is located closer to the clubhouse and further away from homes at the eastern end of the car park. It  officially opened at its new location on Friday.

The Caddy Shack completes its move in the Weymouth Rugby ClubThe Caddy Shack completes its move in the Weymouth Rugby Club (Image: The Caddy Shack)

Emma said: “It’s been stressful. We’ve had a lot of work to do since we got our planning permission in April, and since then we’ve really been putting the wheels in motion.

The Caddy Shack when it was moved to its new siteThe Caddy Shack when it was moved to its new site (Image: The Caddy Shack)

“We have had cranes in and a lorry to move the shack and have had to level the ground and fit in the patios.

Crane moving the Caddy ShackCrane moving the Caddy Shack (Image: Caddy Shack) “My husband has been a big help, as has my father-in-law, and the rugby club. A big thank you to all of them, and the wonderful customers that have been supporting us through this.

“It’s been stressful cost-wise and time-wise and has taken a bit longer than we thought but we still have more to do-just little bits and pieces to touch up the shack.”

During the huge renovations, Mrs Ayles said she has received ‘so much great support.’ She said: “The reaction has been great. So many people have been coming in to ask when we are going to open up outside.”

As far as offerings of snacks and treats go, Mrs Ayles said customers can expect the exact same menu, but with summer dishes such as ploughman’s and quiches on the side.

“Due to having more fridge space, we have been able to serve up Baboo gelato ice cream, which we couldn’t when we were inside the club,” Mrs Ayles added. 

Mrs Ayles relocated the business from Wessex Golf Centre in Weymouth to the rugby club in April 2022.