Peaches Coffee House opening in Thirsk end of this month
Emily Johnson, 33, and James Asquith, 39, are preparing to open Peaches Coffee House in Thirsk, later this month.
The coffee house is named after one of their two dogs and will focus on good coffee, light bites, brunch and lunch, alongside speciality loose leaf tea.
The couple, who have three children Kian, JJ and seven-year-old Daisy, met ten years ago when James was managing a CafΓ© Nero in Thirsk, an experience that sparked a shared ambition to run a coffee house of their own.
With James turning 40 in March, they decided the time was right to take the leap.
They said: “We just thought, letβs do this for ourselves as it has always been a dream of ours.”
The idea gained momentum while the family were travelling in their transit van in France last year.
They said: “We spoke to our close friends who planted the seed and encouraged us to take the risk. It all went from there.”
After researching several potential locations, the couple found the Millgate premises, which became Peaches.
They said: “We were researching and looking at premises to purchase but nothing fit our vision. We initially didnβt have this premises in our sights but we scaled back our vision and and found Peachesβ”
As well as a build-your-own approach to food and drink, the coffee house will launch a Counter Club, inviting a different baker each month to supply cakes.
They said: “We are launching the counter club for twelve months of the year inviting different independent bakers to supply the counter with their goods.
“This is to give a shop space to those who would like to opportunity to showcase their home baking.
“We hope this will eventually grow into a baking club for all our bakers. It also allows customers to try bakes each monthβ
Reflecting their interest in fitness, customers will also be able to add creatine and collagen shots to drinks.
They said: “It is coffee and food your way where you can build your own menu items. We also are very into fitness so will be offering creatine and collagen shots to add to your drinks.”
A family and friends event was held this Saturday, January 24, ahead of a planned public opening on Saturday, January 31.
Emily will continue working full time as a business manager at a local primary school and runs an evening ironing business, while also volunteering as treasurer for a school.
James, a rugby coach in Thirsk for ten years, has temporarily taken a step back from coaching to focus on the new venture.
Opening hours will be Monday to Saturday from 8am to 4pm and Sundays from 8am to 2pm.
It is located on 2 Millgate in Thirsk.