THE Lakeside adventure of a coffee-loving couple has come to a close – but they are still prepared to step out once more from their original business in the heart of Stanford-le-Hope.

Cole Palmer and Beverley Clayton first set up the Hope Coffee shop in Stanford in April 2023, describing it as a 'dog-loving, traditional community cafe'.

The couple live on nearby King Street and they renovated, adapted and moved into premises on the High Street and their joint business venture became an instant success.

Cole has his barber's downstairs and Beverley runs the café, concentrating on coffees, cakes and a range of popular iced drinks. When he's not cutting locks Cole also works on the coffee and cake counter.

The café was well received locally but became known far and wide when visited and reported on by influencer Maddie Cordell. Her review of the café in May last year went viral – prompting a deluge of new customers who queued down the High Street to sample the hospitality of Beverley and Cole.

And in May this year the couple embarked on a new venture – expanding into a second shop at Lakeside.

Once again there were queues outside Hope doors as the venue opened as a 'Pop-up' on the Broadway in the retail shopping centre.

However, the couple have decided to leave Lakeside , saying that though it was a financial success, 'it wasn't the place for them.'

Cole explained why, saying: "We only took it on temporarily just to see what Lakeside would be like and it's been okay, we've had fun and met new people, but it's not really us.

"We know that we're a town/village coffee shop.

"That's what we like, we like dogs turning up, people, families, community.

"And as much as Lakeside's been great, financially it's been good, the company, staff and managers are really nice, it just doesn't feel like us.

"So for that reason, and that reason alone, we've decided to close Lakeside."

But the couple have not been put off expanding. The current Stanford venue will continue with expanded hours but Cole said he is now looking for new locations in more suitable areas, and encouraged customers to suggest potential sites.

He added: "It's not with regret, it's been great. "Thank you all, thank you all for turning up, thank you all for supporting us, thank you all for shouting about us in the centre.

"It's been great, it's been good fun but the time has come.

"You never know, we might come back and do a pop-up next year."