An opportunity has arisen to run a niche cafe in one of St Austell’s most historic buildings.  

The Market House Coffee Shop has long hosted a café on its ground floor, including outdoor seating, with a host of loyal patrons who visit regularly for a cuppa and a bite to eat within the surroundings of the old town. 

This characterful listed building was constructed in 1844 from Trethurgy granite, and boasted the largest freestanding roof space in the northern hemisphere, supported not by the walls but by cast-iron poles.  

In the 180 years since, it has hosted many historic events: crowds gathered here for the 1847 Bread Riots, and over 8,000 people congregated to hear William Gladstone speak in June 1889.  

St Austell’s police and fire services have found a home here – two police lock-up cells can still be found here – as well as the town council offices.  

The ground floor was once a butchers’ market, cleverly designed so that after slaughter, the blood could be sluiced out into the street. Upstairs, a large room was used as a 300-seater cinema during World War One, while its mahogany floor was perfect for tea dances.  

Today, the inner market is home to a creative community of local independent resident traders, including a comic trader, photographer/framer, jeweller and ceramicist – all of whom pay a low rent – ideal for start-up businesses.  

The café sits at the front of the building, punctuated by elegant granite pillars and with views of Holy Trinity Church opposite and the bustling town centre.  

Market House administrator Chris Netherton said: “Our incubator units are often used by tenants who are running businesses for the first time. In the case of the café, the fact that the previous tenant has moved on to bigger premises is a success story in itself.  

“We are hoping to have a plethora of ideas to tempt the palates of the people of St Austell – whether traditional or quirky, or perhaps a bit of both. A large number of people have already shown an interest and we are going through the process of talking to them.” 

The Market House is also a developing events venue, with a number of fundraising concerts in the diary including a shanty festival on February 24 and a beer festival in March.  

The closing date for applications is 11.59pm on Sunday, January 21. Email [email protected]