Putting the spotlight on retailers whose business is an important part of community life
When Phillip and Rachel Warner-Smith first set eyes on Burwardsley Village Store and Post Office, not only did it capture their hearts but it also represented a major change of lifestyle for them. The pair, who until that point had worked around the country in the hospitality industry, were tired of missing out on time with their son, Malo, then aged six, and wanted to make a change.
‘Working in the jobs we had, it was rare to get much time together as a family,’ explained Phillip, 49. ‘Rachel worked in food and beverage and I was front of house. We’d always be working opposite shifts and we didn’t want to carry on doing that.
‘We’d been looking for an opportunity for some time while living in Northampton. We came here, saw the shop and noticed how beautiful it was and knew it was something we wanted to go for.’
Selling local products and supporting businesses in the area is a priority for the couple from providing banking services for local firms to selling goods created by producers near to the village. These include a cheesemaker from the village, Cheshire Farm Ice Cream, Peckforton Water from Tattenhall, Tiresford Yogurt from Tarporley and breads from Swiss Chalet Bakery in Ellesmere Port. But they provide much more than just a shop and Post Office, often watering gardens owned by people in the village as well as running errands.
‘It is a hub of the community but much more than that,’ said Phillip. ‘We love being here. Even though we’re in a village it’s a busy, bustling place with events at the Bolesworth Estate nearby.
‘There’s a lot going on and we love that. We also think we must be one of the only villages that still has its village shop, pub and church. It’s a special place.’
