Silchester cafe celebrates 10 years of serving community

Run by Suzi and Jane Hoppton, this cafe located in the newly refurbished sports pavilion has become a beloved fixture for the community.

More than just coffee and cakes, Suzi and Jane provide a sense of connection and warmth to the villagers that has only grown stronger over the years.

The story of the cafe's beginning is as charming as the couple who run it.

Suzi (left) and Jane Hoppton at Silchester Popup Cafe (Image: Newsquest)

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"We actually began 10 years ago, when we were cleaning at an equestrian centre, and they said, 'Oh, we'd love to set up a café,' and we said, 'well, we could do that for you,' having never done it before," Jane said.

"But I knew that we could bake, so we thought we'd try it."

What started as an occasional cafe at the equestrian centre in Ashford Hill soon evolved into a permanent establishment at the Silchester Sports Pavilion, where it has become an integral part of village life.

"And then we were catering a wedding in Silchester and someone said they would like to have a cafe at the sports pavilion," Suzi said.

"We said yes and they asked us if we could set it up next month. That’s how it started here."

It's just not a cafe that Suzi and Jane do, they also run a catering service.

The Hopptons' complementary skills have undoubtedly played a role in the business's success.

Suzi, a former music teacher with 35 years of experience, and Jane, who has a degree in food systems, have found a harmonious balance in running the café.

Together, they have created a space where villagers, cyclists, dog walkers, and school-run parents alike can gather for a treat.

Reflecting on the early days, Jane recalled how the cafe's popularity has grown,

"It’s grown and grown and grown. But when we started, I think because of the location, a lot of people assumed it was associated with the school... But over the years, more people have come, through word of mouth, and for a lot of villagers now it is their Wednesday or Friday treat."

The cafe's reputation spread quickly to become a cherished spot, not just for Silchester villagers, but also for visitors from nearby Bramley and Tadley.

The cafe's one of the busiest periods was during the lockdowns, when they operated as a takeaway service.

"We used to joke this was the closest Silchester got to having a McDonald’s drive-thru," Jane said.

"People queued, maintained two-metre distance." Suzi added.

"It was lovely, we enjoyed the lockdown as a business."

Despite the challenges, the cafe flourished and provided a much-needed sense of normalcy and comfort during uncertain times.

The cafe’s charm lies not only in its offerings but also in its limited availability, which, as Jane explains, makes it all the more special.

"People often ask why don’t you open every day. But it takes us all week to just be ready for the two days... One of our customers said the other day that the fact that we are not here every day almost makes it more special, because people have to make an effort to come here."

Jane also spoke of the deep connections they’ve made with their customers.

"It is very fulfilling because you are serving people something to eat. And also after so many years, we know the people individually... It makes us feel older."

The cafe has witnessed the growth of the village’s children, with many starting as toddlers and now heading to secondary school.

The Hopptons have no plans to expand.

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"People often ask why don’t you open everyday, but it takes us all week to just be ready for the two days," Jane said.

"Monday is the shopping day, Tuesday is prep for Wednesday and Thursday is prep for Friday. And weekends we often have other jobs and there will always be a funeral or business lunch. So there’s absolutely no time to do anything else."

Open from 8.30am to 4.30pm on Fridays year-round, and Wednesdays during the summer months, the cafe is a well-oiled machine today, with Suzi regularly posting updates on social media about their specials and opening times.