A family-run independent business has celebrated 20 years of trading in South Cheshire, after its owners came to start a "new life" in England from South Africa.

Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge, High Street, is celebrating two decades in business having operated at the premises since 2003.

Owners, Steve & Denise Lawson, are both originally from South Africa, moving to England 22 years ago to start a new life with two daughters, Samantha and Christine. 

Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge, High Street, is celebrating two decades in business having operated at the premises since 2003 (Jonathan White).

The Lawson's soon took over the distinctive 16th century timber-framed town centre Bookshop building, adding the Coffee Lounge a year later.

In 2014, Mr and Mrs Lawson were picked as one of a handful of businesses around the UK to star in BBC reality series, 'Million Dollar Intern'.

The show was aired around the world from Norway to New Zealand and featured young entrepreneur, Gary Martin, working as an intern at their then struggling store.

Following the advice given by Gary, Mr and Mrs Lawson upgraded the kitchen, added a barista station, extended the coffee shop opening hours to include Sundays and Bank Holidays.

They also successfully applied for a licence and were the first business in the town to add al fresco dining in 2005.

Gazebos and outdoor heaters were added during and after the Covid pandemic.

Since Covid, Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge has recovered into a once-again thriving independent bookshop and café business and employer (Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge).

At the start of the pandemic the bookshop delivered books locally via bicycle, supplied takeaway food and drink and launched a new online shop within their existing website.

Since the Covid lockdowns ended, the business has recovered into a once-again thriving independent bookshop and café business and employer.

Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge attracts hundreds of loyal customers and new visitors each day, who discover the premises in the heart of the town.

Mrs Lawson said: "Starting a new life 22 years ago, in a new country with young children, at almost 40 years of age is a challenge. Steve and I love challenges.

"We have never regretted our choice of settling in Crewe and Nantwich. We love our shop.

"With it comes all our amazing staff, customers and suppliers, none of whom we could survive without.

Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge attracts hundreds of loyal customers and new visitors each day, who discover the premises in the heart of the town (Jonathan White).

"Many have become friends and we have had amazing support over the years, through various challenges; first Amazon with online sales, then the Banking crisis in 2007/2008, then Covid and latterly the Russia-Ukraine war.

"Thank you from Steve, Samantha, Christine and I."

The Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge's premises were built soon after the Fire of Nantwich (1583) - seeing an excellent example of the architecture from this period.

Seen from the front there is a distinct 'sinking' to the centre of the building. This is also prominent internally on the second floor.

The cause is supposedly due to half the building having been constructed (1584) over Castle Street's cobblestones and the other half over the then filled, dry moat of the castle. (Mini piles and a steel frame have been utilised to stabilise the building).

Nantwich Bookshop manager, Kathryn Rush, added: "On behalf of all our customers, staff and suppliers I just want to thank Steve and Denise for their incredible hard work and dedication that has gone into creating the unique place that is Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge.

"To have an independent bookshop in our town is special, it ia within an award-winning coffee lounge, which for many over the years has been a safe haven; a place to meet friends for lunch, somewhere to learn at the events or to party at a supper club.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge set up a free grazing table (Nantwoch Bookshop & Coffee Lounge).

"I don't think we always realise how much Nantwich needs a place like this.

"To be a part of this team is a privilege and a pleasure every single day. Nantwich would be poorer without our presence on the High Street."

Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge is open 9am until 5pm (Monday to Saturday) and 10am to 4pm (Sunday and bank holidays), with last food orders one hour before close.

READ MORE: Crewe coffee shop discount to redeem on Club Nub for FREE now.

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By Ryan Parker and Jonathan White