It’s now twelve months since Ruddington’s The Split Screen Coffee Company began operating the café based within Ruddington’s Framework Knitters’ Museum (FKM) – and its owners are pleased to report their business is going from strength to strength.
The independent coffee roasting company was founded in 2015 by village resident and former teacher Jennifer Walker. She sums up her entreprenaurial experience as a massive learning curve – having left the teaching profession to gain a better work-life balance and spend more time with her family.
The Split Screen Coffee Company began eight years’ ago as a mobile café using a converted 1965 VW camper van she Christened ‘May’ – which proved a sound investment. During lockdown restrictions, the business was accommodated at The Bottle Top on High Street for a couple of years. Then the opportunity arose for its own space at the Chapel Street based museum, which Jen simply couldn’t refuse.
“After the work was completed at Parker’s Yard, the museum manager asked if we would like to supply the café with our ‘May’s House Blend’ coffee. Then I was asked if I was able to start in the café and run it – and we haven’t looked back since!” beams Jen.
Now the Canadian-born entrepreneur is managing the popular café, hands-on, as a commercial enterprise alongside co-owner Mike Gaunt (pictured top left with Jen) and their team of staff. During this first year alone, the company secured an alcohol license for Parker’s Yard, hosted a successful Christmas event and, most recently, welcomed the well-known anti-fast fashion event ‘The Big Swap Shop’ – all whilst also remaining part of the popular Ruddington Village Market.
The café’s food and drink menu has also evolved, making the most of the season, and its summer menu includes its selection of House Blend coffee, iced coffees, Caesar, Greek and Fattoush salads, soup, toasted sandwiches, desserts and pastries.
Parker’s Yard is within the former ‘Gunn Cottage’. Along with the museum gift shop and its Old Chapel, these are areas of Ruddington’s internationally famous tourist attraction which can be accessed without needing to pay an entrance fee to the Framework Knitters’ Museum. The café offers both indoor and outdoor garden seating for its patrons.
“The museum is a destination in its own right, but we have been able to make the most of visitors and key events – some of which we’ve been packed” says Jen. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the museum and generally making it through our first year of business in the middle of an economic storm – thank you to all our customers for their support.”
She adds: “We really pride ourselves on being a good employer, for people of all ages, and treating staff fairly. The Split Screen Co is a great place for people to work and we’re always open to hearing from those looking for a new role.”
The business would also love to hear from you about hiring for events and, of course, all things coffee! You can find The Split Screen Coffee Company’s website >>HERE<<
