Tasty deal for new owner of lakeside bistro

A bistro known as a ‘food oasis in Sutton Park’ that is committed to using high-quality fresh produce from local suppliers, has been bought by a Sutton Coldfield businessman in a deal brokered by Lodders.

Blackroot Bistro is set in one of the prettiest parts of Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield, and serves an artisan menu of quality, fresh food, drink, cakes, breakfast and lunch at its picturesque lakeside setting.

Its new owner Darryl Pannell, who lives in Sutton Coldfield and just a few minutes from the Park and Bistro, has bought the business in what he describes as a ‘complete lifestyle change’ that realises a lifelong dream to own a business.

“I have acquired Blackroot Bistro for my final career challenge. I have always wanted to own my own business and given its location and proximity to my nearby home – just six minutes on my bike – makes this a complete lifestyle change for the better, especially when compared to my previous two-hour commute down the M1 to Luton.

“Blackroot Bistro has the most amazing setting, in one of the prettiest parts of Sutton Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in Europe. We serve quality food and drink using quality produce mainly from local suppliers, and most of the menu is freshly cooked to order.

“The business is already very successful in its own right, so I plan to focus my initial induction period on learning to understand how it operates day-to-day and get to know its clientele and all the staff.

“Blackroot Bistro is known for its relaxed and informal vibe, and this won’t change. The only specific plans to evolve its operation will concentrate on maintaining and developing the positive customer focus, and enhancing the interaction between staff and customers, to take the business to the next level, and ensure sustained and further success.”

Perfect stop-off

Lodders’ Corporate and Commercial practice supported Darryl with the acquisition. Leading the firm’s team was partner Graham Spalding, who explains: “The Bistro is a great facility in the Park, and a perfect stop-off point for walkers and dog owners – and no doubt the odd jogger wanting to trade the drudge of a three-mile run for the delights of a nice cup of coffee, with no-one being any the wiser.

“Having been a client since the Bistro was first set up, it is great that it has found new owners in Darryl and Sarah who are local and want to build on its already excellent reputation. We at Lodders are happy to be able to help them on the journey through the acquisition process.”

Great asset

Darryl adds: “I have known Graham for years. I love his intellect, attention to detail and relaxed, calm approach to things. I knew the acquisition was going to be stressful, so having someone like Graham on the team was a great asset and relief for me.”

Blackroot Bistro is located at the end of Hartopp Car park in Sutton Park, and investment in the building and site to improve the Bistro’s facilities for customers is already in place:

“During the winter we will construct a sheltered heated outdoor area, improve the bathrooms, and begin plans to grow the range of menu options for vegans and gluten-free dishes,” Darryl says.