Willows Coffee House celebrates trading for two years in Basingstoke

Willows Coffee House in the historic Church Street will be reaching the milestone on Monday, August 8.

Willows, which has fast become a community hot spot, first opened it's doors on 8th August 2020 during the height of lockdown. Since opening it's become a popular destination for coffee lovers, crafters, event goers and shoppers alike. It has managed to breath new life in to beautiful Cross Street, the home of the Blue Coat Boy Statue and the twinning pavement slabs, by hosting numerous markets and events. 

Mary Stevens, Willows owner, said: “I’m delighted to be celebrating Willows two year anniversary despite everything that has been thrown at us during this time including wave after wave of Covid, Economical downturn, and more recently the extreme weather. We will be offering a few special treats on our anniversary for our customers so they can celebrate with us.

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"I won't lie though, it's been really hard despite a few grants that kept the wolf from the door for a few months. I don't have an endless pot of money though so I do struggle financially and physically but the rewards and feedback out way my much depleted bank account.

"Willows is a community space, supported by an amazing and loyal customer base. Since opening we've supported over 110 Hampshire businesses, traders, individuals, charities and communities, with over 94% of those being from Basingstoke itself. 

First birthday celebration at Willows Coffee House in Basingstoke. Photos by Rob Hall

Willows has been known to support many Love Basingstoke events, including the popular starting point for Basingstoke Festival Parade, Diwali Parade and the Streets Alive Project.

It regularly hosts its own events too including craft markets, art and artisan fairs, live music, puppy walking, meditation and art classes.

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Mary added:"I'm proud of that fact as this is exactly what I wanted and promised from the start. 

"I'd like some Basingstokers including other neighbouring businesses to stop knocking the 'Top of Town' and instead vote with their feet and be more positive by supporting the many independents that are trying hard to exist in this part of town otherwise it will continually struggle. Why not support the weekly market, the fantastic museum, the Model Shop, the history tours and trails, the antique store (The Squirrel), the individual jewellers, the repair shop, locksmiths, unique food venues, Pandoras Box that stocks everything and anything you could possibly want, and obviously support Willows as we'd like to be here for a few years yet.  

"A change of attitude and more enjoyment of what's around us is important...being positive can be addictive too!"

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