A WARRINGTON couple are hoping to create a Friends vibe in the Cultural Quarter with a late night coffee shop.

Ian and Michelle Fitzsimons, who also run The Auction Rooms, have partly modelled The Acoustic Café on Central Perk, the cafe from the beloved sitcom.

They also want the licensed coffee house in Sankey Street, formerly Belvoir estate agents, to be an alternative to the many drinking spots in the area.

Michelle, a former Priestley College student, said: “Most bars do coffee but people don’t always feel comfortable ordering it in that environment.”

Ian, who attended Penketh High, added: “We’re doing it the other way around. We’re a coffee shop that also serves cocktails.”

The Acoustic Café will also live up to its name with live sets from singer-songwriters and acoustic duos most weekends.

Ian and Michelle have also introduced snacks like cakes, pastries, waffles, muffins and donuts this week and they will be offering ‘comfort food’ style light lunches and afternoon tea in the near future.

Ian, 44, added: “To me there’s nothing better than the welcoming smell of freshly ground coffee when you walk into a place.

“The smell of coffee makes you feel at ease and when it’s late at night and the lights are dimmed there’s a really relaxed atmosphere in here.

“Couple that with great music and I feel that you’re onto a winner.

“The easiest way of explaining what we are aiming for with Acoustic Café is Central Perk –the coffee shop in Friends – somewhere you can chill, relax and enjoy a coffee but also where you can have a glass of wine or a slice of cake with your friends if you feel like it.”

The coffee shop is open throughout the week and will close at midnight on weekdays and 1am at weekends.

And the couple want to appeal to everyone from businesspeople looking for somewhere for a meeting to friends on a night out who want to switch it down a gear after a few drinks.

Ian said: “The Cultural Quarter is vibrant and growing with a lot of really nice independent restaurants and bars in the area.

“But it has nothing to cater for those who don’t necessarily want to drink, we are aiming to fill that void.

“We have found that there are a lot of people who come out to the Cultural Quarter in the daytime and evening who may not necessarily want to drink alcohol.

“Whether they’re just out meeting up with friends at one of the bars, going for a meal or just taking in a show at the Parr Hall, people don’t always want to have a drink and don’t always feel comfortable ordering tea or coffee in a bar, we want to provide that service for them.

“The Cultural Quarter is becoming more and more cosmopolitan. But it’s amazing how many people don’t realise what’s here and how vibrant it is.”