The new owner of SO Winchester say they want to rebuild the popular cafe's reputation following the damage caused by previous tenants.

Rebranded as Cafe Winchester, Steve Pullar has launched a bigger menu with new teas, food and the inclusion of all-day breakfast.

Last year, company records showed SO Winchester, formally Ginger Two, had debts of £594,000 – mostly owed to HM Revenue and Customs – before being liquidated in October.

Its directors then rebranded the St Thomas Street tea room and continued to trade as SO Winchester.

The documents from Companies House reveal Ginger Two Ltd also owed suppliers a combined £14,000.

However, Mr Pullar is adamant that he wants to leave all that in the past and build new, better relationships with suppliers.

"When we took over we found that there was a lot of cut priced issues in place," revealed Steve.

"That is not the business we want to run. We are all about service and quality. We want to re-establish good ties with our suppliers and work with them to run Café Winchester."

He added: "The people of Winchester need to know that we are not the same owners and have no ties to them. Saying that, however, they are more than welcome here at any time."

The New Zealand national used to run three restaurants and two bars in his home country 20 years ago.

After moving to England five years later he became an IT director, but decided to give it all up to get back into the catering game.

"It was the right move for me," admitted the 57-year-old.

"I took the decision to get out and come back to something that I really enjoyed. When SO Winchester went on the market, we couldn't miss that opportunity."

Since opening in April – with the same staff – Steve says business is booming.

He added: "People keep venturing away from the High Street to visit us. That tells us that we must be doing something right."

The business is currently undergoing a minor refurbishment to put its own stamp on the grade II listed building.

They also hope to apply for a licence to sell alcohol so customers can enjoy a glass of wine or beer with their meal.