When Venetia decided to give up her career in the City and to open a coffee shop on the Chatsworth Road in 2006, everyone told her that she was completely mad.  At that time there were no other shops like that on the street.  It took 6 months to find a landlord who was prepared to take her on.   Venetia nevertheless found a dilapidated premises and persuaded the landlord that she was a viable tenant. 

The shop opened its doors in January 2007.  To the immense surprise of the other shop owers, rather than folding in the two months they had allocated, it is still there.  In 2008, the garden was transformed from a wasteland to a pleasant paved and walled space, and in 2009 a covering was put in place so that the garden can be used in wet and cold weather.

Venetia was also instrumental in setting up the Chatsworth Road Traders and Residents Association who in turn brought about the return of the street market to Chatsworth Road in 201o.  As a local resident as well as a local business owner, she feels very passionate about Clapton and loves being part of the vibrant community that makes up the area.

Venetia is an antenatal teacher, working for the NCT and so has a particular welcome for parents with young children who might sometimes feel excluded from other similar venues.  Having two children of her own makes her aware of how much new parents need to be able to get out and about and to socialise.

From the beginning, the shop has been a local hub of gossip, a good place to meet and chat, and to enjoy great coffee and good food.  We hope that it will always be that way.