Popular high street restaurant re-opens

Today marks the grand re-opening of the popular high street restaurant, Hummingbird with a new name, and new offering.

The popular restaurant on High Street, Hummingbird has today re-opened after a refurbishment. It's official opening was conducted this morning by Mayor of Newtown, Cllr Mike Childs.

Hummingbird first started life as a food van trading on Broad Street and transitioned to physical premises in December 2022. It specialises in Jamaican and Caribbean flavours and cuisines.

We caught up with owner, Jonal to chat more about the new re-vamped business.

Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the revamp of Hummingbird Lounge?

"Since opening on the 23rd December 22, I took great pride in bringing the former Copper Kettle to life with the aim of making hummingbird a household name."

"Our journey from day one involved in investing in the town and its wonderful community. We made do with what we had available when we chose to transition from truck to premises, never really shaking off the chip shop vibes. "

"The options were investing in another building or going all out to make the changes at 11 High Street.  I opted for the latter."

"I didn't want to lose the Hummingbird name, instead choosing to build on it. Hummingbird Lounge is now a place that has shed its former image by creating a much more relaxed environment that brings it a step or two closer to modern times."

How did the partnership with Jaz Hudson come about, and what inspired you to collaborate with her?

"With Jaz, we have followed her journey since her early times in Welshpool. Over the years we have become good friends. Due to some misfortune Jaz and her team were displaced from their last place of residency. It seemed like the least we could do was offer our support and location. "

"With the experience of Jaz and her team I feel there is a lot to learn for us to improve on our service and presentation and so we're delighted to offer dozen and dough a base here in Newtown."

What unique elements or offerings will Jaz Hudson bring from Dough & Dozen to Hummingbird Lounge?

"We'll now be offering a delicious brunch menu designed and delivered by Jaz and her crew. Fantastic desserts plus home baked breads. For Hummingbird Lounge we're making adjustments to our existing menu. This may be phased in due to so much time being dedicated to the refurbishment."

How do you envision the revamped Hummingbird Lounge enhancing the local dining and social scene in Newtown?

"The Hummingbird Lounge and Dozen & Dough collaboration plus the new setting should encourage people to step away from life's hassle and bustle and enjoy some quality time in relaxing surroundings where we're offering great foods, drinks and memories."

Jaz was recently located in Glanservern Hall in Berriew after first being in Welshpool - she recently provided the catering for Stacey Solomon who was filming in Llanfair Caereinion.

Hummingbird was also awarded the Local Business of the Year - Leisure, Hospitality and Tourism award at the 2024 Celebration of Newtown Awards.

The new look premises is now open on High Street. It also offers online ordering and delivery.