A POPULAR coffee shop that has been a pivotal part of the community in Basingstoke for the last three years has been put up for sale. 

Mary Stevens, the owner of Willows Coffee House, in Church Street has put the cafe on the market after deciding to retire. 

The 59-year-old opened up the shop on August 8, 2020, during the peak of the Covid lockdown, because she wanted to "put something back into Basingstoke" and provide a community space for residents in the midst of the pandemic.

The shop is not closing and will remain open and Mary hopes the premises will continue trading as a coffee shop when someone new takes over the business.

Mary, who lives in Dummer, said: "Sadly my health isn't what it was and my business partner is unable to take Willows on due to family commitments, so I am looking for someone, or a couple, who want to support and run Willows so it can continue its successful path.

"It will be the end of an era and I am looking forward to retiring. I am also quite sad because I have put a huge amount of work into this with my business partner Oliver Kirkham.

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"It is going to be really sad because we have got so many regulars that have been with us since day one."

Basingstoke Gazette: Mary Stevens and her dog Willow outside the coffee shop Mary Stevens and her dog Willow outside the coffee shop (Image: Newsquest)

The well-loved shop was named after Mary's five-year-old cockapoo Willow.

Mary added: "I am looking for new owners, just someone who can love the place as much as I do. 

"It's been such a difficult decision and I've loved building the business from scratch. Once I have provided a handover to the new owners I will be sad to walk away from Willows, but family and health must come first.

"I'm so proud of what I and the team have achieved in Basingstoke, and I want that to continue with new owners."

Throughout the years Willows has been a pillar in the community and is known to support many Love Basingstoke events, including the popular starting point for the Basingstoke Festival Parade, Diwali Parade and the Streets Alive Project.

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It regularly hosts its own events too including craft markets, art and artisan fairs, live music, puppy walking, meditation and art classes.

This year the business won the Inspire Business Award for diversity and inclusion for its work in the community, welcoming everyone from any community, age, ability, race, orientation and identity. 

It has also received numerous other nominations and been a finalist in other awards over the three years.

Mary continued: "Willows, which has put Church Street and Cross Street back on the map, is ready for its next phase and deserves its reputation and place in the town centre, offering something different from what has been on offer.  As a proper speciality coffee shop, it offers a touch of something unique with high-end products, which have been sadly lacking in the town for many years.

"Anyone taking Willows on will inherit an amazing and friendly team and a loyal and friendly customer base. 

"They are sure to get a huge amount of enjoyment owning Willows and will make lifelong friends with local businesses and customers and of course their four-legged friends."

Mary hopes the current staff will keep their jobs once the business has been sold.

Anyone interested in buying it should contact Anderson Moore Business Brokers for more information at 01264 891035 or Keith Green at 07855 043599.