Coffeeshop Success Story

It’s no secret that the past 20 months have been tough – for both people and businesses. Navigating a global pandemic has been a test of character, perseverance, and patience.

One local business which has shown exactly that, and emerged stronger than ever, is Annie Maison.

Despite the difficulties of the past 20 months, the Burton-on-Trent-based coffeehouse and bar has risen in popularity and is fast becoming the town’s number one place for coffee, cocktails and live music.

Who is Annie Maison?

Founded by Luke Churchley and Lyndsey Griffiths, Annie Maison is a coffeehouse and bar located at 1 Station Street, offering excellent service, quality food and drinks, and a welcoming environment for everyone.

Since its official launch in 2018, the growing business has created a boutique-style cocktail bar, introduced bottomless prosecco brunch packages, as well as continued to expand its offering of speciality coffee and cocktails.

The venue also offers exclusive venue hire for special occasions such as baby showers and birthday parties, hosts live music every week, and collaborates with local street food vendors to offer unique speciality food dining experiences.

The hardworking team continually strive to provide a welcoming and casual atmosphere to make Annie Maison a place for everyone to enjoy.

Whether a group of friends looking for a catch-up over coffee and cookie dough, or an older member wanting a good old cup of tea and a chinwag with the friendly staff, Annie Maison is a place for all.

Coming back stronger

As a relatively new business when the pandemic hit, Annie Maison has experienced many struggles and challenges since March 2020.

Open intermittently throughout, in accordance with government guidelines, it’s been a trying time for the hospitality business.

On what the last 20 months have looked like for Annie Maison, owner Luke Churchley said: “We’ve followed government guidance throughout, and there were times when opening seemed like the right thing to do.

“When public confidence was low, footfall vanished, leaving us with a coffee shop and no customers.

“As confidence grew, people came back, but lockdown was again introduced. We had to close the shop again and employees put back on furlough.”

“Then, to reopen, we had to motivate the team, align our vision to deliver the best service we can, as well as give confidence to our customers.”

Since reopening, Annie Maison’s success and positive impact on the town of Burton has been evident.

The business was recently visited by Paul Scully, Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets, as well as Burton and Uttoxeter MP, Kate Griffiths.

It’s clear that the Annie Maison team has had to draw on self-motivation, determination and a shared vision to get the coffeehouse and bar back in business and better than ever.

Luke continued: “The drive and determination from the team to keep pushing on and continually succeed is what’s allowed us to achieve what we’ve achieved.”

As well as surviving the uncertainties and difficulties presented by the pandemic, Annie Maison has thrived, creating opportunities for local people and expanding to a team of 15.

Luke added: “Having reopened back in May and worked solidly, we’ve tried to continually improve our standards, introduce our brand to new customers, and build a new customer base.

“Given the struggles, we’ve pushed on and done the best we could possibly do – and are now seen as a growing business in Burton with a very positive future ahead.”

Enjoy a festive brunch experience

Especially for the Christmas season, Annie Maison is currently offering a festive bottomless brunch package.

The package includes unlimited prosecco for 90 minutes and a meat and cheese grazing board with some favourite Christmas touches. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.

Pre-booking is advised for bottomless brunches – click here to plan your get-together.

So, this festive season and into the new year, why not head down to Annie Maison? The warm, friendly environment is the perfect place to enjoy time with loved ones, accompanied by weekly live music and DJs.

To find out more about Annie Maison and what’s on offer, visit the website.