THE wraps have come off the new-look coffee shop inside St Helens Book Stop.
The Star reported last month how Sam Rughoo is transforming the décor of the cafe inside the Bridge Street bookshop into a guitar and music spot while maintaining the coffee house for all to enjoy.
Sam, 27, has rebranded the part of the store as the Chorus and it went live today, with guitars hanging from the walls and vinyl records for sale.
The transformation signifies a change of direction for the independent store, which previously housed coffee chain Two Brothers inside.
The bookshop, which stocks a wide array of fiction, non-fiction, children's books and works by local authors, is popular among students and a wide range of age groups.
People often use the cafe as a spot to work or collaborate with colleagues.
Now the musical-themed coffee shop is adding another string to the Book Stop's bow.
Speaking to the Star about the venture last month, Sam said: “I was the manager at Two Brothers and was really sad when the owners of that decided not to renew their lease, loads of people have come in convinced it was already closed and I thought I’d take it over instead.
“I really believe in the message behind The Book Stop, it’s all about community, hence the name of the coffee side being Chorus, as it’s all about working together.
“The coffee side of things remains exactly the same, I’m still getting coffee from Two Brothers and the seating will have a few more tables than now to cater to the need but essentially the change with be decoration and the music side which will be 30 per cent of the business offering – the focus will still be coffee.”
Sam, from the town centre, has been a session musician, working in retail as well as music shops and is in a band, so music is a big part of his love and life.
The former Cowley pupil said: “As well as new signage my plan is to get up to eight or 10 refurbished guitars on the wall that can be for sale, offer alterations and guitar MOTs basically to everyone who needs it and sell up to 200 or so records at the back of the coffee shop too.
“Eventually when more established we’ve got plans to offer our services in the space upstairs in The Book Stop which is in the work now as well as doing music classes for adults in the future.
“St Helens has plenty to offer, but to my knowledge there aren’t many – if any – music shops left offering these things, so if I can continue to serve coffee to people in the community space they love while also offering something else then I’m hoping people can come and enjoy it.
“Even if it’s just to have a coffee and listen to different kinds of music that will be played in store.”
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