New Tenancy For Iconic Greenock Café As Successful Gourock Bakery Expands

The iconic former Orangefield Café is back in business through a new tenancy as it looks to reignite its former success under a new guise.

Greenock entrepreneur Billy Gray and his family have taken a long-term lease for the property, renaming it Café Gray, and is set to open for business today (Monday 10^th January 2022).

The much-loved Holmscroft Street café dates back to the 1920s, with previous operator Dino Pieri retiring in 2013.

Billy has left his role as transport and delivery manager at Aulds the Bakers after 14 years to run the new café alongside his wife, Charmayne, and their two daughters who will be in charge of the day-to-day running of the business.

The new venture is seen as a further expansion of the Gourock Bakers, which Billy and Charmayne have been operating successfully for the past 6 years.

Billy has enjoyed a varied career in the hospitality industry, previously operating Fish and Chip shops, Ice Cream, outside catering, and various retail operations.

Speaking ahead of the opening, Billy said:

“We are delighted to finally open the café and see this as a natural progression for the business following the success of the Gourock Bakers over the past few years.

“For it to be based at such a local landmark is fantastic, and everything just felt right about the location and the opportunity with great footfall from locals, trades, and school children.

“We will be providing for both sit-in and takeaway with lunchtime daily specials, fish and chips, curries, lasagne, and all of the local favourites including burgers, pies, sausage rolls, and bridies.

“Given my background, we’ll have a selection of cakes and scones, as well as an extensive list of Italian ice cream available, including traditional vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, and iron brew. 

“We’re grateful to Bowman Rebecchi for their help so far and look forward to opening to the public.”

This latest tenancy is the latest successful letting for local commercial property services firm, Bowman Rebecchi, who acted as the letting agent on behalf of the owner.

Reflecting on the new tenancy, Bowman Rebecchi Director, Andrew Bowman said:

“We are delighted to have been able to support Billy with his aims and we wish him and his family every success with the new venture.

“It is great to see this historic Greenock café coming back into operation and with Billy’s career and experience, expect the café to become very popular.

“Bowman Rebecchi continues to receive a high level of interest in commercial sites across Inverclyde, in spite of the ongoing challenging conditions.”

Café Gray will be open 7-days-a-week from 8am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm on Saturdays and 8am until 3pm on Sundays, with the hours to be extended during the summer months.

Café Gray is located at 105-107 Holmscroft Street in Greenock.

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