By Katrina ffiske
It is always exciting to hear of shops opening in these strange times, but on Tisbury High Street there is double good news. Coffe Angels is moving in with The Refill Station, taking the large space at Montes and Clark.
Mike Simpkins is the inspiration behind The Refill Station.
“I have worked in the local community for 25 years in various roles, including solar and thermal panel installation, this has fuelled my interest in environmental issues. The Refill Station Tisbury was established in 2020 as an off shoot to the eco-laundry service we provide in Tisbury. It has come from the need to live more sustainably, and the growing support for buying eco-friendly products from local outlets,” Mike said.
“We aim to open at the end of February. This a joint project with Shelley and Kelly, who run Coffee Angels, and we are sharing the space.
“We aim to be zero waste and offer products that are animal-free, organic, and vegan. We are also working with cooperatives and supporting small UK suppliers with an ethical approach and innovative products.
“We have had a positive reaction from the local residents and nearby villages where we already provide a delivery service. The shop will provide a focal point for the community where they can engage in a practical way by reducing their own impact on the planet.
“We will also be competitive with supermarkets as our products are bought in bulk and there is no additional charge for buying in small quantities.
“We can’t wait to move into new premises and share the space with Mike & The Refill Station Tisbury,” Shelley said. After jointly managing GeniusCoffea in 2019, Shelley and Kelly took a leap of faith during the pandemic and re-opened the coffee shop in August, 2020, as the ‘coffee angels’.
“Taking the risk, with no help from Government, we stayed open as a takeaway providing coffee and cake, also essentials to the public such as Church Farm Dairy Milk from Semley, and Taylors of Bruton award-winning bakery products. The loyal locals have been really supportive.”
The pair hope to open mid-February. Montes and Clark go online with the occasional pop-up shop.
The Refill Station Tisbury/Coffee Angels, London House, Tisbury, SP3 6HA www.therefillstation.co.uk