You can’t help but noticing the landscape of our town centres is underoing a profound transformation.
As the Body Shop announces closure of its Northampton store, along with another 74 branches, it joins a growing list of major retail chains scaling back their physical presence.
Some of these vacated spaces are being repurposed by coffee shops and food outlets.
The total number of cafés and unlicensed food outlets in Northants, has seen a steady growth of 15% since 2019, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.
Independents have launched new cafés and new chains have fuelled a thriving coffee market dominated by Costa and Starbucks.
As a traditionally tea-drinking nation, the UK is now consuming more coffee than ever with daily consumption reaching 95 million cups, a significant increase from 70 million a decade ago.
Walking down Northampton hight street, it appears cafés are just as busy as ever but I’m curious to find out what is fuelling this desire to congregate over a latte and a slice of cake in today’s ever-changing society.
In the first of two explorations into this vibrant café culture, I hit the streets of Northampton to find out firsthand from a handful of café patrons why they are flocking to these hot spots.
Actor Tony Howes enjoys the sunshine and meeting his friends at The Park Cafe, Abington Park
The Park Cafe in Abington Park is my favourite place to be. Whether I’m memorizing my lines for Emmerdale, Doctors or Midsummer Night’s Dream, I always enjoy the atmosphere here. I have a wonderful group of friends who often meet here with me – it feels like a scene from a Mediterranean movie. Cafes like this were rare in the past, but now they are full of life and laughter. The humour here is typical of Northampton, dark and witty, and we tease each other a lot, but we also care for each other deeply. Age doesn’t matter here, we all have a good time together.
Ricardo Phillips, 23, Northampton and Verity Dasent, 23, plan their wedding in Esquires Coffee, Dychurch Lane.
“Today, we’re here to finalize our wedding plans. Our wedding is set for next month April in Gloucestershire, and we’re currently adding the final touches to our arrangements. We chose this spot because it’s quiet enough for us to focus and offers a change of scenery. It allows us the convenience of popping into nearby shops before settling down to plan, rather than being cooped up indoors. Interestingly, I opted for a hot chocolate and orange juice over coffee this time.”
Lisa Lewsley, 53, Northampton and Tracie Craig, 52, Northampton in Costa Coffee, Weston Favell centre.
We were friends, yet it’s been 24 years since we last met. It’s a sad occasion for us, as we’ve come together due to the loss of a dear friend three weeks ago. It’s comforting to come here and meet up – it’s what she would have wanted.
It seems that cafes are becoming the new ‘kitchen sink chat’ venues. With homes doubling as personal and professional spaces, coming out here for a change of scenery and a refreshing conversation in this comforting atmosphere is great. It’s nice being surrounded by all these people.. everyone has their own story.
Clive Brazier meets four of his close friends at The Lounge cafe,Weston Favell, three or four times a week
We love coming to the Lounge – the owners and staff here are all brilliant. It gives us a reason to leave the house and it’s a great central meeting place for us all to get together and ‘put the world to rights’. I couldn’t ask for better friends!”
Mary Mason meets her friend for coffee and cake – an affordable treat – at Stables Cafe, Lamport Hall where business is booming.
Gemma Vines, 30, Saints Coffee, St. Giles Street
I don’t feel comfortable going to a pub alone as a girl. I prefer going to a café, which seems more socially acceptable.
I think cafés are becoming ‘a third space’. They are places to go outside of home and work, where I spend most of my week. Sometimes I work from home and sometimes I go to the office.
I visit Saints Coffee for its atmosphere and a change of scenery. I don’t mind coming here by myself and relaxing. I would enjoy reading a newspaper if I had one.
What hasn’t remained the same since the pandemic?
All cafés are still very busy. Pubs, on the other hand, seem emptier. I went out on a Thursday night and there was only me and my friend in a pub. It was too quiet. I think it might be because everything is too expensive. I would rather come to a café, especially the independent ones.
I enjoy coming here instead of staying in my room and studying. Not only is the wifi here excellent, I also like the environment here; it helps me focus on my work. When I am home in my room all day, I tend to overthink. The pandemic was difficult for me, but now I have the opportunity to go out and join a lively community.
Lisa May enjoys visiting Caffe D’Italia on Fish Street for its unique personal touch—a cappuccino topped with a chocolate heart, specially crafted by the owner, Manuel.
In part two, the cafe owners give their view on how they think cafe culture is changing.
Patrons gather to work, meet friends and relax at Esquires Coffee, Dychurch Street.