Vintage car is talking point at quirky new Padiham cafe The Workshop

The Workshop is the brainchild of father and son duo Sean and Bailey Routh who have transformed their metal fabricating unit into a coffee house with a difference. Sean rescued the Fiat from the scrappers next door and it is certainly proving to be a talking point at the venue which is on Wyre Street behind the Tesco store.

Burnley born Sean, who attended the former St Theodore’s RC High School for Boys, said: “The car is certainly an eye catching feature and it even has a tax disc in it. It was the car I always wanted and now I have it.”

Up cycled furniture, vintage items, including an interesting looking mangle, and artwork by local artists adorn the unit and Sean and Bailey have even created a children’s area with a real mini van for youngsters to play in.

Sean said: “The response we have had so far from the people of Padiham has been fantastic, they have really welcomed us.”

A fall in trade prompted the Rouths to re-invent their business and their old work bench is now a 12 seater table. Keen to create a Northern Quarter style vibe Bailey trained as a barista as they duo wanted to focus on speciality coffee alongside fresh, home-made food sourced from local farmers.

Sean said: “We want the space to become a hub for the community, a welcome space for families and individuals to come together and a place for people who may feel a bit lonely to come down and have a brew.”