New coffee shop serves Derbyshire roasted caffeine burst to help revive village
A new coffee shop and catering business has just opened its doors in Cromford and its owners hope they can fuel a new era for the historic village.
Serendipity has brought fresh energy to the Market Place since opening on Tuesday, August 18, open seven days a week for takeaway drinks, salads and sandwiches.
A key stop in the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cromford’s long association with industrial pioneers like Sir Richard Arkwright draws plenty of passing trade but 21st century economic sustainability has become more challenging.
As a former landlady at the Boat Inn around the corner and employee of the Greyhound next door, co-owner Debbie White, 49, saw fortunes change in the village and decided something had to be done.
Debbie, who lives in Lea Bridge, said: “I think Cromford died for a few years. A lot of places closed down, and it started to feel like no-man’s land.
“Our place used to sell crystals but it’s been shut for a few years, and a friend of mine bought the building at auction with the idea of converting it into a three-bed house, and I suggested she keep the shop and rent it out instead. So she said, ‘Well, why don’t you take it?’
“Cromford has been very much lacking for decent coffee, and there’s not been a lot of choice for anything else. It was an opportunity, a chance, or serendipity.”
She added: “It’s been quite timely too. The village seems like a hive of activity right now. The Greyhound should be reopening soon, we’ve got a new barbers and a few other things happening.
“Business breeds business and we’ve had overwhelming support from the community the whole way through.”
The coffee bar – technically not a café due to its size and facilities – now feels like a destination in its own right.
Debbie said: “The building was in pretty bad shape when we got it, and it’s been a big team effort with a lot of girl power working full-time since February, taking everything apart and restoring the original features.
“It’s beautiful now, a lovely space to be in and a warm, welcoming, relaxed vibe. We’ve managed to squeeze in a breakfast bar and a little seating area outside, so it’s ended up becoming a bit of meeting place.”
The shop serves up coffee from the Arden roastery in Clay Cross, cakes and pastries all day, breakfast cobs until 11am, then an ever-changing homemade salad bar and sandwich menu for lunch.
Debbie said: “We’re trying to use Derbyshire family suppliers as much as we can, and we want to make more of our own stuff once we get a sense of the business pattern.
“We’re also supplying local workplaces with ready-made orders, and we’re expanding into buffets for conferences and events. We’ve just secured our first booking for a 50th birthday with a few hundred people, and we’ve been approached to run an outside coffee bar somewhere else.”
She added: “It’s gone down a real treat in the village so far. We had a huge turnout on opening day and a brilliant first week. The Cornish pasties and sausage rolls have been especially popular
“We’re so grateful for all the support we’ve received and we’re really hopeful people will keep coming.”
Not just a turning point for Cromford, the shop is a pivot in Debbie’s life too.
She said: “I lost my partner Stevie 11 years ago to the day. He was 41 and our daughter was 18 months old, so I’ve always really struggled around August 18.
“That date’s taken on new meaning for me now, a new chapter, and I think I’ll manage it much better.”
Serendipity is currently open 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm on Saturdays, and 10am to 2pm on Sundays. Hours may vary as the business finds its feet.