New owner takes over Hangar 3 at Old Sarum Airfield

Steve Philcott spent a year working as the general manager at Hangar 3 before taking the plunge and buying the business at the end of October.

His first day in charge was November 1, and he soon made his mark by launching a new winter menu with warming breakfast and lunch options.

He has also started working with local firm Jolly Peach Marketing to boost Hangar 3's social media presence, bringing in new customers.

This will make the business busier during the colder months, when the peak skydiving season has ended and there is less custom from neighbouring GoSkydive.

Steve, from Shaftesbury, who has previously run five restaurants in Dorset, said: “What we're trying to do is make it much more of a community business.

“We've done things like changing the menu for winter, which is much more hearty.

“We've got a fresh soup on every day, pizzas, a chicken and mushroom or steak pie and mac and cheese, and we've got a weekly special.

“We want people to come in and use the space, even if it's just a cup of coffee and cake or lunch. We're tucked out of the way, and people don't know we're here.”

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Hangar 3's first weekly special: chicken tikka masala with rice, naan and mango chutney (Image: Hangar 3) The dog-friendly café hopes its space and free WiFi will appeal to workers for networking, co-working and remote working.

There will also be lots of events, such as car club meets during the winter and bike nights starting in the spring. The facility can by used by other community groups, such as book clubs, and it can be booked for parties with custom menus to suit different budgets.

“The idea is that it's good quality food at a reasonable price in a nice setting,” he said.

The winter menu at Hangar 3 (Image: Hangar 3) “I saw what could be achieved. It's finding that balance between looking after skydivers and looking after the local community.

“Usually, skydiving finishes and the place goes dead, but there last few weeks have been busier than I thought because of our increased marketing.”

Steve currently has six members of staff, but that will increase in April when the peak skydiving season returns.

Hangar 3 is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9am until 3pm, and on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 8.30am and 4pm.