A TECH-obsessed coffee-house owner has given the rejuvenation of London Road a futuristic twist.

Presuming Ed’s launch party on Thursday was celebrated with the installation of a Bitcoin ATM and 3D printer.

As well as being a café, Presuming Ed doubles up as a creative hub and shared office space, with MakersLab, S.EX and charity Audio-Active all residents.

The coffee house is from the same team as the popular Marwood, in Ship Street Court, with both names inspired by characters from black-comedy film Withnail And I.

Owner Richard Grills, 39, said he realised up-and-coming London Road’s potential after struggling to find space in the North Laine or The Lanes.

He said: “I’m obsessed with technology.

“I think there’s a lot of people around here who just want somewhere to meet up.

“The whole point is to get people together coming up with stupid ideas, it might not work but at least they are coming up with ideas, so that’s kind of what we’re going for.”

Presuming Ed opened with a demonstration of its new Bitcoin ATM with a live transaction from Australia.

Bitcoin is a type of digital currency which enables the transfer of money through the internet involving no third-party.

Jim Crane, 38, of Icrypto, who carried out the demonstration said Bitcoin is much easier to experience than explain.

He added: “My business partner said ‘come down and have a walk along London Road’ and as I looked I went ‘oh, wow’. London Road is definitely getting a bit of an upgrade.”

Launch party guest Amy Rodgers, 24, said: “I think it’s a really good thing to have on London Road and it makes you want to come here on a social aspect, rather than just going to get your shopping, because now there are places to go.”

Mr Grills also hopes to host theatrical and musical events at the venue.

Presuming Ed is open Monday to Saturday 8am-7pm, and Sunday 9am-6pm.