New business owners hope to put Sidford on the map

Catherine Cochrane, Sarah Pottinger and Zoe Baker of Lexys hair salon in Sidford - Zoe is the new owner of the business (Image: Archant)

New business owners have revealed their hopes of breathing fresh life into Sidford and putting it firmly back on the map.

A couple of familiar faces will be taking over the reins at two key venues in the heart of the village - a move that has been welcomed by fellow traders who believe it will revive the area and give people reason to visit.

Lisa and Andy Downham are the new proprietors of The Rising Sun, in School Street, and have big plans for the pub that is already a thriving hub of the community.

Lisa said: “We just saw the pub in the businesses for sale and went for it. We have had really good responses from locals so far and everyone is really positive. Thank-you to everyone for their support and help in doing this.”

Lisa will be running the pub while Andy keeps his job as a funeral director in Sidmouth.

She plans to serve a Black Rock Grill menu option – the only one in the area – with all meat sourced from Drews Butchers in Sidbury and cooked on hot volcanic rock at the table.

The well-established Lexys hair salon will also get a new lease of life as owner Catherine Cochrane hands over to Zoe Baker. Experienced hairdresser Zoe has worked all over the world and in the School Street salon since December. She will take it on as a joint venture with her boyfriend, Samuel O’Brien.

Zoe said: “I’m really excited. I feel ready for it. Any advice I need, Catherine is there and helping me with anything I need. We are going to put the salon on the map. We have big plans for it.”

Catherine will stay on a part-time basis for her regular customers.

Seamstress Monika Sitko set up shop in School Street earlier this year and has welcomed the new influx of business owners that she believes will keep Sidford alive.

She said: “We want to keep the village busy and open. It is a great place with great people. Sidford is definitely the place to be. This could put the village on the map.”