After a brief stint on Victoria Road, The Core has officially returned to its original home at 4 Devizes Road, nestled once again above the much-loved Los Gatos tapas bar in Swindon’s Old Town.
This move follows the recent sale of Jacks café, with whom The Core had been sharing premises since July. Now comfortably back in its own space—part of the newly launched No4 Studios—The Core resumes trading as a fully independent operation.
Originally opened in 2013, The Core has built a loyal following for its health-focused menu, offering freshly prepared juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, avo toast, and top-notch locally roasted coffee. Matcha, it seems, has quietly become the unsung hero of the drinks list, now one of the café’s most frequently requested options.
The space it now occupies is far more than just a café. No4 Studios, located on the top floor of the building, is a multi-functional event venue brought to life by Kris Talikowski, the Chair of the Old Town Business Association. Designed during lockdown, the studio is a bright and airy retreat featuring lounge seating, a pool table, and panoramic views—perched at one of the highest points in Old Town.
Speaking to The Swindonian, Kris said: “It’s great to be back in our original home where The Core first found its energy. We were outgrowing Jack’s anyway before they announced it was being sold. The set-up here gives us more freedom to operate in our own style while also creating a vibrant, multi-purpose space for the community.”
The Core’s return is timely. With Devizes Road currently pedestrianised throughout August due to ongoing gas works, the area is becoming unusually walkable—just in time for a trio of Sunday events, starting with the Old Town Family Festival on Sunday 3rd August, part of the wider Old Town Sunday Socials series.
While longer-term plans are in place to develop a new purpose-built site, The Core team is happy to once again serve the community from their spiritual home—at least for the foreseeable future. The future of Jacks café under new ownership remains uncertain, but for now, there’s a clear sense of local momentum brewing back at No4.
