COFFEE AT THE WILSONS

From a quick espresso to a leisurely afternoon tea, Coffee at the Wilsons in Blanefield is the perfect place to perk up your day. Don’t forget to pop into the deli and gift shop for a browse!

NEW START

Paul and James fell in love with Blanefield in an instant – upping sticks to the country and opening their much-loved coffee shop in 2019.

James said: “We didn’t know Blanefield before, but after one viewing we were head over heels with the building and location.

“We sold our house in Glasgow and started a complete refurb of the shop, from new windows to floors.

“Our goal was to create a home from home feel for our customers – which is reflected in our name, Coffee at the Wilsons.”

PASSION FOR BAKING

James and Paul make the perfect pairing: a former Costa coffee shop manager and an amazing baker.

Paul said: “My mental health wasn’t great back in 2016 and James took time off work to support me.

“As part of my therapy, I started baking cakes and loved it. Over the years my passion for baking and cake decoration grew.

“A café and gift shop, was next on the cards.”

The couple also bring their experience of running The Big Gay Wedding Directory to the business, a venture they set up in 2008 after finding it very hard shopping for same sex couples.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Paul is a self-confessed people pleaser. He said: “We’re all about offering fabulous food and excellent customer service. Our friendly team are all locally based and share our ethos.

“We love to delight customers with little extras on their plate.

“We love serving good hearty food and treat customers like our Mums would treat us at home.

“Our offerings can be a little quirky, for Father’s Day we served a roast beef ciabatta with a Yorkshire pudding and dunking gravy on the side.”

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Paul and James try to source their produce and stock locally wherever possible.

James said: “We supply lots of local products such as Crystal’s Shortbread and Perthshire Preserves; as well as wide variety of Scottish produced food, drink and gifts.

“We also sell local cards, candles and artwork.”

The couple also do their bit to raise funds for local charities.

James added: “We’re passionate about supporting ‘Love Leigh’, a local charity aimed at raising awareness of the importance of being kind.”