A NEW era will be starting at a Bromsgrove butchers when it opens a new cafe and restaurant on the weekend of December 8.

A pre-opening weekend is being held at Banners, at number 12 Finstall Road, 10am until 4pm each day from Wednesday, December 3 until Saturday, December 6.

The cafe will be serving tea, coffee, and hot chocolate by Drury's of London.

Banners is based at a building rich in history.

It was originally erected as the Coach House and Stables for the old Dragoon Inn, more than 150 years ago.

The old Dragoon was converted into a shop and three dwellings in 1904 when the new Dragoon Hotel, now The Ladybird Inn, was built.

Throughout the 20th century, the building was occupied by the Pancheri family, who were wood and stone carvers.

Celestino Pancheri came to Bromsgrove from Italy to work for the Bromsgrove Guild in the late 19th century. He settled in Bromsgrove and in partnership with Mr Hack, managed to buy the Old Coach House, setting up their own business circa 1920. Celestino was soon joined by his son Robert Pancheri who eventually inherited the business.

Robert was educated at Bromsgrove School, saw service as a Captain in the Cheshire Regiment in the Second World War and was a lay preacher.

Many examples of Pancheri’s work can be seen in numerous churches and stately homes across Great Britain, including the speaker’s chair for the House of Commons.

The shop and dwellings were demolished in 1965 to build Banners shop.

For more on the opening of the cafe call Banners on 01527 872889.