'Junction' opening at old Bodega Bar in Foregate Street

Work was carrying on today at the former Bodega Bar and Cantina in Foregate Street, near the railway station, and a new sign has gone up with the letters 'JNCTN', short for 'Junction'.

FRESH: Junction pictured this weekend - the former home of the Mexican restaurant and bar, Bodega in Foregate Street (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

There is a listing online for a coffee shop called 'Junction' offering dine-in and takeaway services at the address - 14 Foregate Street. 

However, a workman at the site today declined to give details about the business, reveal opening times or describe the nature of the venture when approached by a reporter. He also declined to say whether he was responsible for the business or simply a builder or contractor working on site. 

PAST: The former Bodega restaurant has a new lease of life as 'Junction'

Some building work still appeared to be underway inside the premises with a grey works van parked outside and ladders visible inside. The building is right next to Foregate Street Railway Station. 

READ MORE: Bodega in Foregate Street puts up to let sign 

READ MORE: Sad day for Worcester Patisserie as it closes down in Foregate Street  

We reported last year that Bodega Bar and Cantina had shut its doors to the public, but owner Matt Scriven had told customers the hope was to reopen in February of last year. At the time, the closure was attributed to management staff shortages which they were unable to address. In October last year a to let sign appeared on the premises. 

MEMORIES: Foregate Patisserie pictured in June 2013 when it closed at 14 Foregate Street (Image: Newsquest)

The restaurant was part of a small chain of Bodega Cantini's with venues in Birmingham, Leamington Spa and Leicester.

Before that - 10 years ago now - the building was the home of a bakery - Foregate Patisserie - which closed its doors at that location in June 2013.

The company has been a feature of the city’s retail landscape since the late 1970s, opening a second branch in St John’s three years after the first shop opened, near Foregate Street’s railway bridge.

We reported at the time how the company, which had roots going back to 1900, used ovens which were 108 years old to bake traditional, rustic-style bread.