Warwick welcomes a new independent café and bar – with a twist

After months of social restrictions, Warwick residents are being treated to a brand new venue on Smith Street.

The Furniture Shop’s famous lamps have moved to the next corner, making way for Revive Café and Bar, which opened its doors on June 5th.

The front half of Revive is a dining area where you can stop in for coffee, brunch, lunch or alcoholic drinks. The menu include: crépes, Belgian waffles and American-style pancakes, burgers, charcuterie boards and ice cream. The chef prepares all food fresh on-site, using locally sourced ingredients and there are many vegetarian and vegan options.

Children and remote workers alike are more than welcome, with changing tables and charging sockets provided.

Hidden at the back of Revive is the games room. Here you’ll find darts, ping pong, table football, pool and a shipping container, of course, as the toilets. You can book any of these games tables in half-hour slots through the website or in person.

The games room will double-up as a live entertainment space for stand-up comedy. Sandwiched between the seating area and games room is cosy sofa nook complete with a mini library and retro arcade-game tables.

Covid safety precautions have been put in place, including staff regularly wiping down game-playing surfaces and equipment. Revive also has an air recycling system to keep the building fully ventilated.

Revive marks the second project – and a new direction – for owner James Byrne, who grew up in Warwick. Last year James was nominated for Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the success of his software company, AccountancyManager. It won’t be hard for James to work between the two businesses – AccountancyManager has been in the offices above Revive for the last two years.

When the space became available, James leapt at the opportunity. “I think there’s such a need in Warwick for somewhere that caters for any age, whether it’s a playdate with toddlers, a milkshake after school, a working lunch, Friday night drinks or a date with a difference. Especially with that added entertainment that we’re all desperate for after the last year.”

“We’re aiming to make Revive the ultimate go-to venue in Warwick, with a line-up of events throughout the year too – like quiz nights and, from August, stand-up comedy in conjunction with Comedy at Work.”

James has assembled a seven-strong team, headed up by experienced hospitality manager Lee Mallen, from Birmingham. Lee is a self-proclaimed coffee aficionado and has selected local coffee roasters Monsoon Estates to provide Revive’s coffee. Head chef, Jonathan Weardon from Leamington, comes to Revive with more than 40 years’ experience. He’s run the kitchens at Coombe Abbey, Wroxall Abbey, Nailcote Hall and Warwick Castle, to name but a few.