The feeling of being at home is not always easy to come by. It’s being able to kick your shoes off, leave all the day’s troubles at the door and that deep sense of belonging.
For many, our grandparents or parent’s homes, the places where we grow up, but eventually leave, are where we can be unashamedly ourselves to recreate that feeling isn’t easy.
But on Hempshaw Lane, there’s a little green coffee shop that really does feel like stepping back in time. No airs and graces, just a good brew and a proper natter are promised.
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In a short while, the cafe has become a beloved part of the community in Offerton, creating a space where people can come in and grab a quick coffee and treat on the morning commute and school run, but also somewhere they can linger, have a decent chat.
It’s a testament to owner Rhianne -or Ranny as some of her relatives call her – that in less than six months she’s created such a warm and welcoming space. She’s spent most of her life working in Stockport’s hospitality industry, managing bars, pulling pints, and showing off her barista skills, but the dream was always to open her own place.
“My first job was at Whetherspoons, then I moved onto chains like Greene King and Stonegate, and worked in management roles,” she tells me post service as she’s tidies up the cafe after another busy day.
“Then I decided I didn’t want to work for bigger names and started to work for independent sites like places in Didsbury and then landed on the Underbanks in Stockport town centre. That’s where I met Adam and Scott who run The Spinn Off, and I worked there for a while.”
Rhianne worked for a number of well-known bars and venues for the next few years, but then wanted a fresh start. Rather than rowdy nights and drunk punters, she wanted proper interactions and a calmer environment.
“I’ve always wanted my own coffee and brunch space, but since moving away from bars, I wanted to create a community space – people don’t always want to sit in a pub or a bar.”
She then found the small unit on Hempshaw Lane and started scouring Facebook Marketplace, Vinted, and charity shops to find the perfect furniture and fittings for her coffee shop. It’s only a small space but she’s put a huge stamp on it with cosy, embroidered sofas , Mid-Century sideboards and plenty of speckled Denby crockery.
Local suppliers have been utilised to create the unique space too. The art on the walls, the sign over the door, the photos have all been made by people from around the area including Sketch Stockport, Cactus Sign Painting, and Chroma Productions.
“The interior is really just my personality, I like old things. I was gifted the Denby set, and then the colour of for the cafe I just got from a colour swatch at B&Q – I thought It’s name ‘Fickle Pickle’ was amusing.
“I’ve spent many long days and weeks trying to create a space that was a home away from home. This site works perfectly.
“It was about creating that feeling of coming back to your parents or grandparent’s house, that calming feeling. Having a chat with people, no robotic transactions, and we do things a bit differently here.
“There’s a restaurant-style service, you place and order, I’ll bring it to you and then you pay at the end. I’m bringing back that type of service and feeling.”
Walking in, you’re immediately hit by the smell of freshly brewed coffee – beans are from Atkinsons of Lancaster to create a medium-roast blend with milk-chocolate notes. There’s also bakes to from local supplier Silver Apples Bakery and Sticky Fingers, which are too good to resist.
You’ll find Rhianne behind the counter, steaming milk and chatting to people on the sofas just across from her as they reminisce and catch up on life updates. It’s like stepping into a proper community cafe.
“It’s been so lovely, all my cups are from Denby, and people have come in and said ‘oh my god, my grandparents had those’ – it’s bringing back memories for customers.
“People have also brought things in for me. One customer came in with green patterned Denby cups and matching saucers – she said they were just sat in a box, and no I serve her a flat white in her mum’s old cup.
“I started with a handful and now I have 13 glass cake stands thanks to customers. It’s a proper little community.
“I speak to people like they’re my mate, some people don’t take to it, but that’s how I am.”
Appealing to the early risers, the cafe is open from 7am most days, and soon they’ll start serving up some hearty grub thanks to head chef Nathan. Its still in development but customers can expect things like beef shin ragu with polenta and potatoes, which Rhianne describes as a dish that you would get if a spag bol had a baby with a roast dinner.
She’s also considering warming stews, soups and toasties, and even maybe a potato hash. “Nothing fancy because I’m not a chef or a cook, just just dishes that create the feeling of warmth.”
Interestingly, the building she find herself in was a former fish and chip shop loved by the local community too.
“The building was Hempshaw Lane Fish Bar for 50-60 years, and was a staple building on this road. Queues out the door every Thursday and didn’t say when they would be open.
“The grandchildren of the former owners congratulated us on the first week. The bloke who opened the chippy was called Ronnie and now it’s called Ranny’s which feels nice.”
Ranny’s is open 7am until 4pm, Tuesday through Friday. 9am until 3pm Saturday, 10am until 3pm Sunday, and once a month they host a 5K run club on a Sunday.
Ranny’s, 407 Hempshaw Lane, Stockport, SK1 4QA
