AN Exeter couple who planned to live in Spain have changed their minds and decided to bring Spain to Exeter.
They have done it with a new restaurant and bar that aims to bring a taste of the Balearics to Devon.
Forn Restaurant and Bar is owned by Gemma and Simon Livingston, who met after studying at the University of Exeter in 2005 and had always planned to move back to Mallorca where she was raised.
But the couple, who now have two children, decided the best way to enjoy both worlds was to bring the taste of Spain to Exeter and open an independent bar and restaurant serving the traditional tapas dishes Gemma loved growing up.
In October, with the support of a £240,000 loan from Lloyds Bank Commercial Bank, they were able to buy Forn's business premises on Mary Arches Street and realise their dream.
The restaurant, which has created ten new jobs is run by Gemma and is next to St Olaves Hotel, a business owned by Simon.
Gemma said: "Forn opened in early October and we have already received a phenomenal response from both English and Spanish customers who are genuinely pleased that we have opened a fresh, new independent restaurant in Exeter.
"Our relationship manager at the bank, Martin, was supportive from the beginning and walked us through the whole process. It was a real team approach.
"To see Forn finally open for business is a dream come true and, through the purchase of the premises, we have been able to invest not only in our family's future, but also in the amazing team that works with us to make Forn the great place it is."
Martin Potts, relationship manager, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: "The restaurant and bar has helped the local economy by creating employment opportunities and it is down to Forn's team of new staff, and Gemma and Simon's hard work, that the business is already attracting a more than healthy custom in Exeter.
"The Regional Growth Fund support was perfect for this venture.
"We have pledged to help 100,000 new businesses like Forn to start up this year and we are already ahead of our target. Since the beginning of 2010, we have helped more than 545,000."
