Squires Celebrate 30 Years

A MARRIED couple have spoken of their pride in their coffee shop after celebrating 30 years in business on Rayleigh High Street.
Helen and Carl Watson open Squires back in May 1996 – a destination that quickly became a hotspot, winning them fabulous reviews and a loyal customer base.
It was Rayleigh’s unique range of heritage buildings which made a couple settle on the town as the perfect location for their venture.
Finding what they called the “prettiest building at the top of the High Street”, they soon established themselves in the 400 old bay-windowed venue.
“Historic beams and wonky walls fitted our vision of a specialist coffee shop serving loose leaf teas and an array of different coffees perfectly,” they said.
Commanding their joint knowledge of the hospitality industry learned both in London and at sea, they were ahead of the curve in bringing café culture to the suburbs which, in the 1990s, was nothing like it is today.
They explain: “Opening the front door on that very first morning we literally had no idea if anyone would even come in let alone think that we would soon have regular customers and quickly acquire a reputation for great food.”
The couple are incredibly proud that the coffee shop holds an important place in both the community, and people’s lives, with Squires now a favourite venue for baby showers hen do’s, wakes, and even wedding celebrations.
“Having people choose to celebrate birthdays and important events with family and friends at Squires is a privilege,” they add.
They also paid tribute to their teams throughout the years, including their own daughters, who have worked at the café, as well as all the rewarding friendships that have been forged through that time.
Despite the massive shifts in retail, Squires have managed to weather the changes: from seeing the High Street change from a two-way road, and the closure of many other local independent businesses, they admit that change is a necessary part of modern life.
Looking into the future, they say they are “never complacent.
“There is always work to do, but we absolutely love being a part of Rayleigh High Street and serving Squires’ Specials and our popular Afternoon Teas. If you are local, we hope you visit us soon.”
Picture: Squires celebrate 30 years in Rayleigh
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