Café Bencotto was originally built as Felixstowe's first fire station (we believe in the 1st decade of the 19th century). The two arches to the front of the building have been carefully restored after many years of being covered by signage. These arches were the entrance to the fire tender bays where the engines would sit waiting for a call out. In the early years the tenders were horse drawn and the horses stabled out back.
In 1969 Felixstowe's fire service moved to the new purpose built fire station in High Road East and the old station was purchased and turned into the Bencotto Steak House and a separate Café. These businesses operated successfully until sold to Yeo Group in June 2007 when they were closed down and a complete refurbishment undertaken.
In August 2008 the building was reopened as Café Bencotto. Inside, as much of the original brickwork and tiling as possible has been revealed and the restored arches once again grace the front of the building. In 2009 Café Bencotto was awarded a commendation from the Felixstowe Society for the "enhancement of the environment" as a result of the sympathetic restoration work undertaken.