Woman opens up shop in Wigan community next door to her sister

Kathryn Hawkins runs Akoya, Jewellery, Art and Crafts on Preston Road in Standish and now her sister Nicola Burns has opened up Time Coffee Shop next door.

The opening of the shop had been delayed due to lockdown but it has now been up and running for around three weeks and is proving a real hit with locals.

Nicola, who lives in Standish, said: “I got the lease three days before lockdown and officially opened on August 6.

“It was unfortunate to not be able to open earlier.

“But the lockdown has given us plenty of time to get things right.”

And Nicola said the shop sells Lavazza coffee and a range of locally-sourced produce.

She said: “There are homemade cakes sourced locally.

“Then there are light bites such as paninis and wraps and healthier options such as chicken and halloumi.

“It’s early days yet but we’re really pleased with how things have gone so far and a lot of the community are very supportive. I’ve grown up in Standish and know a lot of people so that has helped.”

The exciting venture for Nicola started when the woman who used to occupy the premises left, and with her dad Tony Dickinson being the landlord of both her property and Kathryn’s, it was an ideal opportunity for her.

Nicola, who used to work as a teacher, said she was now doing something she “had always wanted to do.”

When asked whether her being next door to Kathryn would mean a sister rivalry, she said that it wouldn’t and that the pair are helping each other.

Nicola does have some catching up to do however, as Kath has been at her shop with husband Phillip for 15 years.

On the first floor, Philip does jewellery and then on the ground floor Kathryn does her arts and craft work.

Nicola said: “My sister and my dad have helped get the shop ready and we’re both promoting each other’s

business.

“So if a customer is waiting for something at Kathryn’s shop, they can then have a coffee. It really is brilliant being able to do something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Nicola said her aim was for the coffee shop to create a “relaxed atmosphere for customers.

She added: “The decor is very relaxed and quirky with little tables. I wanted to make it different and I feel I’ve done that.”

Opening times for the coffee shop are Monday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm, Saturday 9am to 3pm and Sunday 10am to 3pm.