Russell 2015

Wednesday January 7, 2015 

Coffee from around the world arrives in the heart of Southsea.

Friends start a new venture

Home Coffee opened its doors late last year, offering customers different types of coffee from around the world.

Located in Albert Road. next to the Kings Theatre. people can come in and enjoy coffee and cake.

The business has been formed by friends Russell Ison, Andrew Chance and Rob Nichol, who own the shop together.

Russell said: ‘We thought about doing it about seven years ago but for one reason or another it didn't come about. Now is a better time because of the growth of speciality coffee shops outside London.

‘There are a number of good food outlets opening in Southsea.

We were looking for the right premises and Albert Road is the right area.

‘It's mainly independent shops and bars. ‘

Coffee is imported from around the world including Rwanda, Panama and Nicaragua.

The current blend is 40 per cent from Mexico, 40 per cent from Guatemala and 20 per cent from Ethiopia.

The origins of the coffee change with the seasons.

Russell added: ‘We are happy to talk to customers about how it's made and how it affects the taste.’

And Russell said it's been successful so far.

‘Opening just before Christmas, we've not had a normal trading week yet but it's been very popular,’ he said.

‘We are next to the Kings Theatre so it's been good with the pantomime.

‘We will look to adapt our opening hours around the theatre as some people don't want to go to a bar.

‘They would prefer to go and have a coffee after the theatre instead.’

Rob added: ‘I‘m a massive coffee drinker.

‘It's good knowing that we can offer something better than the chains. ‘It’s a bit more bespoke. We are very passionate about where the coffee comes from.

‘We are doing our best for the coffee and making it taste the best it can.‘

Rob thinks coffee shops are becoming increasingly popular. ‘There's a movement from people going to bars to socialising in coffee shops. It’s like the new wine.‘ he said. ‘We are getting people to appreciate that coffee can taste different depending on how it's brewed and where it's from.‘

Andrew added: ‘It's going extremely well.

‘It's just about getting the word out there so that people know we are here.

 

‘We couldn‘t have wished for anything better.’

 

Images:

TASTY: From left, Rob Nichol, Andrew Chance, Russell Ison in their new business Home Coffee in Albert Road. Southsea

Picture: Allan Hutchlngs (15021-067)

Home Coffee in Albert Road, Southsea (15021-058)

 

 

 

The News’ campaign is calling on all readers to reconsider their shopping habits and think about how all of our actions can help bolster the community. 

Independent retailers bring millions to the local economy every year

And apart from helping retain money in the area, local businesses create jobs for people living near them. 

 

There are hundreds of shops that are run by local people who depend on us to help keep them in business.

Without them, there would be fewer jobs and less money.

And without the diversity these sorts of shops and restaurants have to offer, we will lose the choice that we currently enjoy.