Mill Road, just off the city centre, continues to grow in popularity as a retail venue, resulting in rising values, according to Jonathan Layer of agents Robinson Layer.  He said: “Despite the headline stories about doom and gloom on the high street, Mill Road shows the opposite.”

 The firm has just sold the freehold of a retail and residential property which includes the cocktail bar 196 and a one bedroom flat, and is now handling the marketing of another unit at 173 Mill Road.

 The freehold sale was to the owner of the cocktail bar, Darren Brooks, who said: “It was a logical step to purchase the building having traded for six years and grown the business organically through word of mouth.  We have a loyal following, a great reputation for excellence and it would be a shame to have to pack up and go should a new landlord decide not to grant a new lease.

 “196 is unique in essence because as an owner operator I have 28 years’ experience in the bar/restaurant industry. I have worked in many places around the world and I feel this adds to its unique appeal.”

 Robinson Layer is offering 173 Mill Road after the existing tenant, Tax Assist, moved across the road to expand into the former Cambridge and Peterborough Building Society premises.  Jonathan Lager said: “This vacant self-contained shop of 725 sq ft, is well located and with good display frontage.  It is being offered at a rental of £18,750 per annum.

“We are seeing good demand for secondary retail premises in and around Cambridge and some of the larger regional towns.  For example, in Newmarket we have just let a shop on the High Street to Vape and Juice, a leading supplier of alternative smoking devices and ingredients, in the former Swinton Insurance premises, next door to Peacocks.  They have 25 stores in the South East of the England and even one in Ibiza. “

 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT JONATHAN LAGER AT ROBINSON LAYER ON 01223 346193.