From Chemist to Cafe

The Borough Café opened its doors on 11 August 2012. More than 14 years later, it is very much a part of village life.

At the start of 2012, the building (previously Lloyds Bank and, before that, a chemist) had stood empty for some time. The current owners acquired the freehold and work began to transform the characterful old building into the café it is today.

The café was recently given a photograph from the time when it was still a chemist, showing the shop with its Kodak and Ilford film displays.  The photographer, E.W. Parker, lived at Gardener’s Cottage, Long Close and his daughter, Linda Crocker, remembers visiting the chemist as a child. (The photograph provides a reminder of the building’s history and its place in village life - photo caption?)

The conversion presented numerous challenges and unexpected problems, but with the builder’s help, patience and ingenuity, the cafe began to take shape.. The work included moving the extremely heavy old bank safes, installing a staircase to create the upstairs seating area and clearing the courtyard, which had become heavily overgrown.

Over the years, the café has employed many local people, including sixth-form students who then went on to university and subsequently returned to work at the café during their holidays. Many locals have now become regulars.

The café’s pastel de natas, (Portuguese custard tarts), have become a popular choice among customers. Homemade cakes and traybakes are also served, alongside Greek-style filo pie and Italian-style frittata.  The shelves feature locally produced gifts and treats, including New Forest Shortbread, Fordingbridge Fudge, local jams, honey and soaps, with the more recent addition of New Forest Tea.

Caroline says, “We are hugely grateful to all our customers for their support, loyalty and friendship over the years. The Borough Café has become such an important part of our lives, and we couldn't have done it without the wonderful support of the local community.”