Man takes punt on St Helens with Star Coffee in town centre

Working in hospitality for several years in Coventry, Dinshan Premarasa moved to St Helens last year and decided to take a punt on the town centre after seeing a unit become available.

Launching Star Coffee in December, the 25-year-old has taken over the former Georgie Porgies cafe just off Westfield Street, which closed down in July.

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Inside Star Coffee (Image: St Helens Star)
With only Dinshan working at the cafe, he is taking care of all aspects of the business while he gets to grips with what works for customers and what items are the most popular.

The Sri Lankan native said that he aims to provide a large menu at Star Coffee, including all day breakfasts, toasties, wraps, burgers, and pastries.

With options to sit in, take away, and order online, there is also a selection of coffees and cakes at the cafe, with Dinshan working long hours from 7am until 7pm. 

The business was a varied menu with all day breakfasts a hit (Image: St Helens Star)
Speaking about his first few weeks in the town centre, Dinshan said: "Things have been very quiet to begin with as I think a lot of people still think the [former Georgie Porgies] cafe is shut.

"But I have had really good responses for the food, particularly for the all day breakfasts and toasties, and there are people coming back which is a good sign.

"I have just set up the delivery side of the business so hopefully this will help too."

Hoping to grow his business and let more people know where he is, Dinshan also hopes that Star Coffee can benefit from the proposed town centre regeneration and the apartments that are being converted in the opposite Beechams building.