Now, hidden under some soon-to-be-removed scaffolding, the space formally known as the beloved Toddle Inn on Wellington Street has a new lease on life.

Hadspen based catering business Sugar 'n' Spice have moved in, transforming the old milk bar during a three week renovation.

For Anita Gerard, the new location is a dream come true.

Opening her business from home in 2018 it took off - outgrowing her kitchen.

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Searching for a commercial space, the Wellington Street location was the perfect fit.

"Part of running a business from home, I can't employ anybody from home, so it sort of got to the point that I was turning people away because with just me I couldn't do everything," she said.

"So we started looking for a commercial premises and thought at least that way I can employ staff, take a bit of pressure off me.

"When we saw this one come up I said I want that, because I know what a good shop it was in the past, and it's in a prime position."

Opening the doors to the public for the very first time at 5am Monday morning, Sunday was spent putting the finishing touches on product ready for the launch.

"We will run a takeaway line through the bain-marie because I think that's still going to be a part of the business, people expect that and so obviously the takeaway line and the coffee line is the extra on top of what I have been doing from home."

Along with ready-made meals to be purchased and heated at home, Ms Gerard said there will be a variety of food options to suit - including an expanding gluten-free offering and the option to organise family catering to be picked up the next day.

"We're really excited," she said.

"I've got a couple of staff members that I've known from previous businesses ... I think the staff I've found will be great, I know they're hard workers.

"When the kids are available as well we're going to get them in and teach them how to do everything - that's our focus as well, it's not just for my husband and I but it's for their future as well, so we can teach them how to do things like stock control and dealing with customers so they have skill sets that they can put on their resumes.

"I'm looking forward to getting that door open, building a rapport with my new customers ... I really enjoy that - working from home I've missed that people interaction."

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