Blockley Village Shop and Café

A most feted asset
Blockley Community Shop and Café opened in May with a combined village fete – complete with Morris dancing and the crowning of the May Queen. The premises are at the heart of the Cotswold village in a former coach house which has also been the village fire station and children’s nursery. The café seats 25 and serves Fairtrade and organic drinks, filled baguettes, cakes made by ladies in the village – and they do a roaring trade in hot bacon baps! One wall of the café is decorated with a display of jewellery and handbags from a boutique in nearby Stow, for which they receive a commission on items sold.
Background
The following information has been taken from the shop's website
 
Blockley Village Shop and Café is a community-owned venture, which was set up in 2008 when the villagers learned that their last remaining shop and post office was about to close.
 
After looking at all available options the community decided to form a co-operative and open a shop and café in the historic Old Coach House in the centre of the village.
 
Over £84,000 was quickly raised through membership subscriptions, donations, grants and a loan. In April 2008 the premises were refitted by volunteers, with the support local firms including builders, designers, engineers and IT specialists. 
 
The Blockley Co-operative Association now has over 530 members and employs a manager and 14 part-time staff.