Host Coffee can accommodate 25 customers inside. There are a couple of bistro tables and chairs on the pavement outside.Host Coffee can accommodate 25 customers inside. There are a couple of bistro tables and chairs on the pavement outside.
Host Coffee can accommodate 25 customers inside. There are a couple of bistro tables and chairs on the pavement outside.

New business Host Coffee takes off in Clay Cross

Residents and traders have given a warm welcome to a new coffee shop that has opened in Clay Cross.

Host Coffee launched on Market Street last week in premises formerly occupied by the Strawberry Basket greengrocers.

Christian O’ Connell, manager of Host, said: “It's been well received, all the local businesses have been really supportive, popping in for lunches and coffees.

"Clay Cross is a latte place so latte has been a good seller. We're mainly focused on the coffee, making sure it's sustainable and traceable. The suppliers we use buy direct from the farmer rather than use a middleman. I’d like to expand by trying guest coffees, different blends, different single origin coffees.

"We offer grab and go food, panini sandwiches, smashed avocado and egg, homemade soup, granola bowls, fresh fruit and yoghurts.”

Four-legged friends are welcome with dog treats and water bowls part of the offering.

The Scandinavian-style wood panelling and wooden furniture and house plants create a neutral and fresh atmosphere.

Christian said: "We haven’t cut any corners and we’ve gone for quality. We’ve got a really good display fridge and we went with the look rather than a bog standard cheaper one and we’ve got an orange juice machine rather than buy bottled orange."

He is part of a team of three serving customers at Host Coffee, where he is co-director with Michael Walker, who owns and manages the Junction Bar in Chesterfield. Christian and Michael have lived on the town’s Egstow Park estate for the past two years. Christian said: “When we moved here we thought there must be something more that we can add to Clay Cross.”

Both have previous experience in the hospitality industry as cabin crew for British Airways. Christian, 29, said: “I’ve been in the aviation sector for about eight years. On July 29 when the pandemic hit, I took voluntary redundancy. and thought I'd try something new. There's a lot more pressure now that I'm not working for somebody – I have more responsibility.”

Host Coffee is open Tuesday to Friday, 8am to 4pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 6pm.

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