As a cafe owner myself I would say get some independent advice from someone in industry, as well as advice from the solicitor. Not sure of the legals but I imagine that the current owner would need to fulfil their side of the agreement, in order for the contract to be binding. And don't worry about existing staff / customers - goodwill is important, but if you decide to go ahead I am sure that you will stamp your own indelible impression upon the joint anyway. And menus are easy to change, you can do that yourself. Speaking from experience I would say focus on what you need to do to get the cafe up and running, and to endeavour to get it right first time around. Many new / old customers will come in after the sale, to check it out, and that initial first impression is all important. If you decide to go ahead, in one years time, none of the things that are going on now will matter, if you are able to make a fist of it, all that will mater is that you are living the dream. And, sad to say, staff come and go, and sometimes you are better off with a clean sweep, so that you can install your vision unimpeded. And yes, good legal advice is expensive (I should know, but that's another story) - but you will save time and money in the long run. And if things aren't going according to plan, put it in the hands of your solicitors - that's what they get paid for. Hope this helps, Pat PS - you can personal message me if you need more detailed (non-legal) advice
