Just over a month after reopening under new ownership, Sidmouth’s former Graze & Olive café/wine bar is going from strength to strength.

Owners Dave ‘Griff’ and Simone Griffiths have renamed the venue G&O and, following the successful reopening in early February, they’re introducing regular events including a monthly jazz supper and support group meetings for women with breast cancer.

G&O, based at The Old Post Office in Vicarage Road, also offers a book swap and will be helping to raise funds for local charities.

The venue is currently open as a café during the day, serving sandwiches, scones, cakes and brunch boards. It’s open Wednesday to Saturday 9am until 3pm, Sundays 9am until 1pm. By night G&O is a cheese, wine and cocktail bar serving grazeboards, meat platters and a few hot dishes. It’s currently open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm until 11pm.

Both Griff and Simone have had other careers before going into the hospitality trade. Griff served as a Royal Marine for 22 years and then trained in repairing and maintaining woodwind and brass musical instruments; he runs DG Music in Exmouth and plays the tenor sax. It’s always been his dream to run a live music bar.

Simone began her career working with children as a nursery nurse and after taking a break to have her sons, she joined a local primary school in Exmouth. She has a particular interest in children with additional needs, particularly those with autism. G&O is ASD friendly, willing to turn down the music and lights and give extra space if needed. 

The venue has attracted plenty of enthusiastic customers since its opening and is now announcing special events, with an emphasis on live music.

Simone said: “We are running a jazz supper evening once a month, these will be ticketed events, £30 per ticket to include a meal from a choice of three; we will also have tickets available for £15 if you wish to just come for a drink and listen. 

“Our first evening will be led by award-winning Craig Milverton who will be joined by Trevor Whiting, a Dorset based saxophonist and clarinettist.”

This event will take place lace on Thursday, March 21 at 8.30pm.

Simone will also be hosting a new support group for women with breast cancer, run by the Can Cope Charity. The first monthly meeting will be on Monday, March 25 from 10.30am until 12 noon, and the café will be open only for this group, not the general public. Simone said: “It gives women who have been diagnosed the chance to come and meet other ladies in the same situation as themselves, have a coffee, cake and a chat.

She added: “In the future, we aim to offer themed nights such as Spanish nights and Greek nights as well as the usual celebrations such as Valentines Day/Mothers Day.”