Pooley Country Park is gearing up to welcome a new addition to its amenities, the Pit Stop Coffee Shop. The family-run establishment, set to open its doors in time for the summer holidays, promises to blend hospitality with heritage, offering visitors a unique and inviting experience.
At the helm of this venture are Sarah and Oliver, a husband and wife team with a decade of experience running their existing rural coffee shop, Bake180. The couple's expertise and passion for creating welcoming spaces are evident in their plans for the Pit Stop Coffee Shop. The menu will feature a delightful selection of light breakfast items, snacks, sandwiches, salads, pastries, and cream teas, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
One of the standout features of the coffee shop will be its convenient hatch window, allowing parents to keep a watchful eye on their children while enjoying their refreshments. Dog owners will also appreciate the ease of grabbing a coffee without the hassle of leaving their furry companions unattended. The establishment will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm, making it a perfect spot for a mid-week treat or a weekend outing.
The Pit Stop Coffee Shop's commitment to creating a family-friendly atmosphere extends beyond its menu and service. The owners plan to introduce a small soft play zone for under-fives on the upper level, providing a safe and entertaining space for young children. Additionally, Sarah and Oliver are exploring partnerships with local businesses to offer stay-and-play sessions for babies and are considering collaborating with local forest schools to organize outdoor activities in the coffee shop's surrounding area.
The coffee shop's name, Pit Stop, is a nod to the rich mining history of Pooley Country Park. To further honor this heritage, the owners will proudly display donated mining artefacts within the establishment, creating a sense of community and preserving the site's historical significance. This thoughtful approach to incorporating the park's past into the coffee shop's design and ambiance is sure to resonate with both locals and visitors alike.
In preparation for its grand opening, the Pit Stop Coffee Shop building will undergo a thorough overhaul, including an expanded kitchen and a re-decorated interior. Sarah Exall, the co-owner, expressed her excitement about the venture, stating, "We're hugely excited to be taking over this venue at Pooley Country Park, a beautiful site of great historical significance to locals and visitors alike. The next step for us is working our magic on the interior, and we plan to choose décor that blends with the stunning natural surroundings, creating an inviting space that brings the beauty of the outdoors inside."
Councillor Heather Timms, Portfolio Holder for Climate, Culture and Environment at Warwickshire County Council, commended the new owners' understanding and respect for the park's heritage and community value. She expressed confidence that the Pit Stop Coffee Shop will enhance the experience of a wide range of visitors to Pooley Country Park over the summer and for many years to come.
As the opening date approaches, excitement grows among the local community and visitors eagerly anticipating the arrival of this unique establishment. The Pit Stop Coffee Shop promises to be a welcoming addition to Pooley Country Park, offering a perfect blend of hospitality, heritage, and family-friendly amenities in a stunning natural setting.
