Family looking to offer something new with Cafe 303 in Earlestown

Although his experience is in haulage, Brendan Quinn felt that an empty unit on Oxford Street, facing the market square in Earlestown town centre, was a perfect place to launch a business the whole family could get involved in.

With the family based in Earlestown, they want to put something back into their community and aim to cement the business' reputation by the time the town's regeneration plans start to take effect next year.

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Inside the Oxford Street cafe (Image: St Helens Star)
Launching Cafe 303 at the end of September with his partner Angela, and daughters Lola and Aliyah, Brendan said that business has been up and down and weather dependent at present, but with some "very busy" days where every seat is taken.

Brendan said: "Things have been slow and steady at times, and the bad weather does seem to affect us, but we've been doing well.

"We've had a real influx of people at times where every seat was taken, so we hope to continue this.

"We've tried to keep the menu simple for now but are looking to offer quality products, and we have had some really positive comments about our coffee."

Newton West and Earlestown councillor Terry Maguire with Brendan inside the cafe (Image: Cllr Terry Maguire)
In addition to the positive feedback from customers, Brendan says that one of the most encouraging things since launching the cafe is the collaborative network of local business owners, who all want to better the town.

"There does seem to be a real community of businesses around the town centre, with everyone working hard to make the town a better place", he added.

"It's a nice little environment to be in because everyone is working together, and the council and councillors have been really helpful too."

Cafe 303, on Oxford Street in Earlestown (Image: St Helens Star)
With Earlestown successful in securing £20m in Levelling Up funding earlier this year, a main part of the council's plan is to reimagine the town's market square, along with proposals to restore the iconic Town Hall and make significant improvements to the local train station.

As Cafe 303 faces the historic market square, which has been a part of Earlestown for more than a century, Brendan and the family feel that they are in a prime location to benefit from this in years to come.

In the meantime, the family hopes to build the business' reputation and menu to see what works best for those who come in to try Cafe 303.