Cafe owner with a passion for wine and food to open new premises in Porthleven

A local business owner, driven by a passion for food and wine, is about to open the doors to a brand-new space in Porthleven.

For the past 16 months, Bolla was based at the Shipyard Market in Porthleven but now will move to the former home of the Hidden Harbour Café on Fore Street, and is set to open next week.

Jamie Gasdare, who founded Bolla as a home-run food delivery business in 2019, explained the move: “We’ve loved our time at The Shipyard Market, but we’ve outgrown the space. “The opportunity to move to bigger premises came up, and it was perfect timing.”

Renovations to the shop are still underway (Image: Jamie Gasdare)

The new premises will allow Bolla to offer more experiences for guests. Jamie said: “We’re aiming for a space where the community can gather, enjoy delicious food and experience the Bolla magic. “Think late evenings in the wine bar, small plates of delicious food, winter takeaway nights, early morning coffees and the same Bolla lunches you know and love, plus so much more.”

A key focus of the new space will be a dedicated wine bar, reflecting Jamie’s knowledge and passion for wine. “I wanted to do more wine because that’s my training,” she said.

"I wanted somewhere in Porthleven where you can buy a bottle or a glass of wine, recommended by someone who’s qualified."

Jamie is confident that the move will allow Bolla to reach a wider audience while retaining the community spirit that made it popular at The Shipyard Market.

With Bolla set to open in just one week, Jamie has launched a Crowdfunding campaign. She hopes to raise £4,000 to cover the cost of renovations, acquiring new equipment, and obtaining necessary licenses.

Bolla will continue to serve customer's favourite dishes, as well as some new exciting additions (Image: Jamie Gasdare)

“Our aim is £4,000 – which is a huge aim, to be honest, if we manage to raise £50, we’ll be chuffed to bits, but if we manage to raise our full target, it’ll help us start on the right path to our Bolla dream,” Jamie said.

“From poly filler to grout, from primer to paint, there’s a lot we need before we can open, and it all adds up (trust us B&Q can vouch for that!) so we’re boldly and humbly asking you to help – however you can.”

However, Jamie understands that not everyone can help financially, but has asked people to share the crowdfunding page.  You can see this here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/5902a94c55a7d0d6eec753f99cb49e3c.