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The Hub cycle cafe in Churchfield Way, Wye, to open next month

A new cycle cafe built from shipping containers on a derelict bus depot is set to open next month.

Works are well underway for The Hub to begin plying its trade on the former Poynters Coaches base in Wye, situated next to the River Stour.

How the finished cafe is set to look. Picture: OSG Architecture
How the finished cafe is set to look. Picture: OSG Architecture

After being given the green light in August 2021, bosses initially hoped to have the cafe ready in time for summer last year.

But delays meant construction was not able to start until November.

Now, after months of hard work, the spot in Churchfield Way will finally open in August, but an exact date is yet to be confirmed.

The cafe has been made out of reclaimed shipping container. Picture: Alice Hall
The cafe has been made out of reclaimed shipping container. Picture: Alice Hall

Hub spokesperson Alice Hall said: “We have potentially some local rides coming by to test the setup and space, but the official opening is set for August.

“Most of the outdoor hard craft work has been completed and once the flooring goes down inside, it will be a quick process to fit the kitchen in place.”

The idea was brought about by cycling enthusiasts Jez Smith, Matt Hayday and Keith Owen who shared a vision of creating the perfect place to stop on a cycle route in the village.

The shipping containers will be transformed to house a kitchen, a serving area and toilets. Picture: The Hub
The shipping containers will be transformed to house a kitchen, a serving area and toilets. Picture: The Hub
The Hub has been built in Churchfield Way
The Hub has been built in Churchfield Way

The location was picked as part of plans to rejuvenate the bus depot which has remained derelict for years.

The containers will sit side-by-side, but slightly offset, while a seating area will be at the front with the cafe, kitchen and toilets housed to the rear.

A third container, which will hold more seating, will sit opposite the cafe, leaving room for a courtyard in the middle but will not arrive until later in the year.

The kitchen is almost ready to be fitted. Picture: Alice Hall
The kitchen is almost ready to be fitted. Picture: Alice Hall

Initially, cakes and coffees will be sold alongside bike essentials but the offering could be expanded if there is a demand.

Chairs at risk of being thrown away have been saved and are one of many recycled items that will be used inside the reclaimed shipping containers.

The containers were lifted into place in October. Picture: Alice Hall
The containers were lifted into place in October. Picture: Alice Hall

If it is a success, the owners, who live in Wye and Boughton Aluph, hope other small start-ups will decide to set up shop in additional containers alongside the main cafe.

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