Our free Warwickshire email updates are the best way to get headlines direct to your inbox Our free Warwickshire email updates are the best way to get headlines direct to your inbox A historic market town's public space, dubbed "Custard Corner" after a bright yellow paint job, has turned into a surprise tourist hotspot. The decision by council chiefs to spend £42,000 repainting the pedestrian area in Kenilworth was initially met with mockery. Residents slammed the new look on Station Road, using words like "vile", "nauseating", and "overpowering" to describe the colour, and criticised it as a squander of taxpayer money. However, against all odds, "Custard Corner" has become a hit, earning a spot on Google landmarks and garnering a series of five-star reviews from visitors. Local business owners are capitalising on the buzz, with custard tarts popping up on menus and one coffee shop erecting a large sign to welcome patrons to "Custard Corner". Ashely Davis, owner of Morning Sunshine coffee shop, expressed his desire to spin the negative press into something beneficial. READ MORE: Burglar jailed in Coventry after early-hours raids in the Midlands He also mentioned that a councillor had confirmed to him that surplus double yellow line paint was used for the project as a cost-saving measure. Ashley, aged 33, commented: "We placed the sign outside because it happened to match the colours of our business over the road. "The space has really divided opinion but we thought why not lean into that and seize the marketing opportunity. We are in talks with the council to sponsor it too working with Britain in Bloom, so we can add benches and more planters which I think it needs. "Councillors have also confirmed to me it was left over double yellow line paint as part of a cost-cutting strategy. I'm surprised the council haven't said anything about the sign but it's been allowed to stay so far. "But we now want to focus on turning it into more of a pleasant space where people can sit and relax and have their lunch." Local resident and hairdresser, Sal Hardy, 29, added: "We became a bit of a laughing stock and a joke but we can also laugh at ourselves. "I think people have embraced it now and are having a bit of fun with it. The Station House bar has even started selling custard tarts. It still doesn't look great but we'll all get used to it." Google reviews have seen some humorous takes, including one visitor who dubbed it a "must-see tourist attraction", while another bemoaned the lack of custard. Rowan Williams penned: "Enlightening experience. Less custard than one would expect, but well worth a visit nonetheless." Lorna Lingard contributed: "So far, it appears this patch is not shark-infested. Prone to the odd busker. Cheerful yellow colour - bring your own crumble." Cal Daly quipped: "Unparalleled artistry. The perfect 21st century rival to the Sistine Chapel or Sagrada Família. "Complete your visit with a nice sit down with a Sainsbury's meal deal, observing the pigeons and pondering life's greatest questions such as "why am I here?", "what does it all mean?" and "how did it come to this?"" Richard Sturt remarked: "Especially recommended for dessert lovers." The road had been permanently closed to motorists during the pandemic and reopened as a pedestrianised area in 2023. warwickshire-county-council>Warwickshire County Council gave it a fresh coat of paint earlier this month in an effort to "renew and refresh" the area. A council spokesperson said: "The initial closure of Station Road, Kenilworth was funded by Government and implemented to assist with social distancing and encourage outdoor seating during the COVID-19 pandemic. "When restrictions were lifted, it was identified that the area would still benefit from improvements to further enhance the space for pedestrians, so £42,000 was allocated from the Delegated Budget to renew and refresh the old road surface; the yellow surfacing was chosen as the most cost-effective option."