STAR readers have reacted to the opening on a new independent coffee shop in St Helens town centre, which opened its doors to the public on Saturday, August 21.
The store, located in the “Globe” building on the corner of Barrow Street and Church Street, is an expansion of the Two Brothers coffee brand, which has succeeded in Altrincham and Warrington.
Intending to deliver the perfect brew, the team at Two Brothers focus on ethically sourced coffee, which goes through an intricate sampling process and is then roasted at their Warrington store.
The business, which was started by coffee-lovers Steve and Dave Jones in 2018, decided to expand into St Helens as the town is looking to promote independent businesses in disused town centre spaces.
Sean Lyall, coffee expert at Two Brothers, said: “St Helens is an area we’ve always had an eye on since the beginning.”
Sean, from Ormskirk, added: “I’ve worked in two Costas in St Helens, and the people are just really friendly and genuine.
“There’s plenty of the likes of Costa, Starbucks and Nero in the town centre, but no independent shops that really specialises on ethically sourced coffee, and that’s what we’re offering.”
Since the opening of Two Brothers, many St Helens Star readers took to social media to congratulate the team.
Helen Banks said: “I have been many times to your shop in Altrincham and it is fantastic. Good luck.”
Another reader, Hazel Friar posted: “Good luck with your new business. Next time I am in town I will call in for a coffee.”
Catherine Jayne posted: “Lovely to see new places opening up in the town centre, about time there was some investment. Will definitely have to visit.”
Gemma Gordon wrote: “Looks fab, next time I am in St Helens I’ll give it a try! Nice to see people making an effort to bring fresh ideas into St Helens.”
Two Brothers is the latest opening of a series of independent businesses in the town centre, highlighting a marked shift to repurpose disused space.
Imperial Food & Drink is another example of this, which is currently under construction at nearby Brook Street, opposite St Helens College’s main campus.
Further town centre examples include the independent bookshop, to be known as The St Helens Book Stop, the MD Creatives hub and the Geek Retreat, which are all in development on Bridge Street.
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