FIRST-class delivery – on all fronts – is now on offer at West Street’s post office with a difference.

Haslemere was threatened with the loss of its town-centre branch in 2017 when the lease expired.

But town-based company Real English Drinks House – Redh – bought the freehold to ensure not only its survival, but the restoration of the iconic 1906 building.

In 2018, Waverley planners approved the Redh scheme to secure the long-term future of the branch by combining it with a new shop, bar and cafe.

There were big celebrations in August 2019 when the post office – temporarily relocated across the street while building works were under way – reopened in its historic headquarters with a new upstairs bar and downstairs shop stocking local produce.

Another red letter day was celebrated on Monday (February 17) when the new downstairs bar/cafe opened serving breakfast, lunch and evening meals.

Haslemere resident and Redh co-director Douglas Howard, who has also trained as a postmaster to help out, said: “I am immensely excited and proud we have been able to save our historic West Street post office.

“We have saved the post office and protected its 1906 heritage – all the woodwork has been lovingly restored and brought back to its former glory.

“It’s the busiest building in the town and definitely the nicest post office in the UK.

“We have also generated more employment as we have 25 members of staff.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase local producers in the shop, bars and cafe. Our concept is, when available, source it locally, even down to coffee cups that were made by Grayshott Pottery.

“We are so blessed with amazing quality products but they need a route to the markets and we have created that opportunity.

“This was a very big project, but things that take time and effort to come out well.

“We will be selling 175 post office products and 75 per cent will be banking services. Outside Lloyds we are only place to get cash out now in the town centre.

“High streets are facing a lot of challenges. I think businesses have to differentiate and make sure they are giving what can’t be given online. We have fabulous products and the multiple uses help manage our overheads.

“Haslemere is bucking the trend by having the largest retail occupancy rate in Surrey.

“We are planning to hold a number of ‘meet the producer’ events.”

“Independent retailers are fighting back.”