Wigan’s newest coffee shop has opened its doors in the town centre in the building which was once home to Woolworths, John Menzies, and WH Smith.
The chain, which was founded by two brothers with one shop in Lymm 14 years ago, now has 34 across the northwest, with the Wigan coffee shop on Standishgate their biggest yet. What’s happening in Wigan paid a visit shortly after it opened.
There’s a lovely smell of coffee as you walk in and a real cosy vibe, but spacious. It appears to be split into different areas, a central section, with cosy chairs tables, a quiet zone, and plenty more chairs and tables.
Another lovely detail is all the nods to Wigan with murals on the walls which reference, among others, Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls, the Heinz factory, and there is even an explanation of where the word ‘Wigan’ comes from.
Reaction from one customer: “We think this is too posh for Wigan, we feel like we’re in the middle of London.. it’s really nice.”
On our visit we spoke to Adam Fletcher, Head of Growth for the Coffee House who told us the company’s aim is to create community hubs within ‘forgotten high streets’, and transform buildings which have stood empty for a while.
He said: “It’s great to be here to serve the Wigan community, and this has been our most successful store opening to date.”
10 jobs have been created with the store opening, but Adam revealed they will be looking to create a further six as it’s been so busy.
Coffee House History.. what you need to know:
- Founded by two brothers, The Coffee House began its journey in Lymm with its first store in 2011
- It has built its reputation on creating community hubs within forgotten high streets, offering great service and high-quality products.
- The Coffee House roasts all its own coffee at its central hub and kitchen in Warrington, where everything else is made in house too.
- They make their own bread, cakes, sandwiches, paninis and toasties which are delivered fresh every morning to each store.
- Since the first store in Lymm, the brand has grown to over 30 locations, with Wigan being the 34th opening, but is still proudly independent.
- They also have vegan and gluten-free options.
Adam also made the bold claim that their teacakes are the “best in the north west”. I didn’t actually get time to try one, which means we’ll have to go back!
We all know Wigan already has a few fair coffee shops, but I think there are enough coffee drinkers around, and it’s great to see investment in the town centre.
Also, the beauty of a café is, with so much shopping moving online, you can’t drink coffee online, you have to physically go there, so this will increase footfall into the town centre, which again, I think is a good thing.
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