Ayrshire hoteliers open luxury ice-cream parlour in Prestwick

14/12/2011

Leading Ayrshire hotelier, Costley & Costley, has expanded its operations into the retail sector with the opening of the company’s first ice-cream parlour in Prestwick.

Since being founded 23 years ago, Costley & Costley, has established a reputation as purveyors of fine dining and hospitality at their chain of seven hotels and restaurants across Ayrshire. However, the opening of Costley’s Ice-Cream Parlour, supported by Clydesdale Bank, signifies the group’s first serious steps into the retail sector.

Located on Main Street in Prestwick, Costley’s Ice-Cream Parlour sells a range of luxury ice-creams in addition to a selection of sweets, pastries, cakes and packaged main meals from the famed Costley kitchens. All of the ice-cream is home-made and replenished daily, with flavours including white chocolate, red wine and candy floss as well as traditional favourites.

Founded by husband and wife team Bill and Cath Costley in 1988 with the opening of the Highgrove the group now counts popular venues Lochgreen House and Brig ‘o’ Doon House Hotel among its portfolio. A customer of Clydesdale Bank since the company’s formation, Costley & Costley has continued to enjoy Bank support as the size and scope of its operations has increased over the years.

Working closely with staff from Clydesdale Bank’s Ayr Financial Solutions Centre (FSC) the hoteliers made the decision to expand into consumer retail following increasing demands from customers at their venues to be able to enjoy Costley’s produce at home.

Willie Mackie, Managing Partner of Clydesdale Bank’s Ayr FSC, said: “Costley & Costley has been a customer of Clydesdale Bank for a long time now but it is always good to see established local businesses display the ambition to expand into new markets.

“It is a business which has adapted extremely well to changing market conditions over the years and we are pleased to be in a position to offer Costley & Costley our continued support for their new venture and future growth.”

Although only recently opened, Costley’s Ice-Cream Parlour is already a popular destination with locals and visitors to the town. The shop operates seven days a week and is open until 9pm Monday to Sunday, even allowing people to pick up desert on their way home from dining elsewhere in the town.

Bill Costley, proprietor of Costley & Costley, said: “We are very excited about this new venture which marks our expansion into a new sector and would like to thank Clydesdale Bank for its continued support of Costley & Costley.

“The expertise and knowledge we have built up over many years as to what makes excellent customer service stands us in good stead as we move into consumer retail. This can be seen in the initial success of the Costley’s Ice-Cream Parlour which has quickly established itself as a popular destination in the short space of time it has been operating.

“We pride ourselves on delivering the best quality produce and service to our customers at all our venues and the success of this approach can be seen in our recent expansion. The ongoing support and understanding of our businesses from Clydesdale Bank is a contributing factor to our ongoing growth.”