This is the story of Bathford Village Shop and Café, a place at the centre of the community, providing connection, support and essential services for over two decades.
In May, the people of Bathford came together to celebrate a significant milestone: 20 years of their village shop and café in community ownership. Since being founded in 2006 by community co-operative Bathford Enterprise for All Limited, the shop has evolved from a simple place to pick up groceries into a vibrant hub that embodies community spirit every day.
Over the years, it has become far more than a shop. It is a social hub, a lifeline and a meeting place at the centre of the village. Along the way, it has adapted to changing retail habits, weathered economic uncertainty, navigated the pressures of the pandemic, and the wider challenges facing businesses across the UK.
Its journey is a powerful example of the resilience and adaptability of community-owned businesses – something we at Plunkett UK are proud of, championing their long-term survival rate of 94%.
20th anniversary celebrations
More than just a shop
According to our Future of Rural Retail Report, one of the key reasons community businesses succeed is their ability to adapt and evolve. Community shops that go beyond selling everyday essentials tend to thrive. They become multi-purpose hubs – offering warm, welcoming spaces and somewhere for people to connect, particularly in rural areas where isolation and loneliness can be significant.
Bathford Village Shop and Café is a clear example of this in action. In 2024, it was recognised with the ‘More Than’ Award at our Rural Community Business Awards.
At the heart of the shop is its people. More than 60 volunteers help run it, supported by a well-organised programme that includes induction, training, social events and regular opportunities to come together. From monthly gatherings to a Christmas thank-you dinner, volunteers are recognised and valued. In return, they gain a sense of purpose, build relationships and develop new skills. Each shift is shared, helping to foster connection, confidence and community.
Mahjong in the shop
The shop itself offers far more than retail. Alongside groceries and café favourites, it provides free Wi-Fi, a free ATM, and a library of books, games and puzzles for residents to borrow. It also acts as an informal tourist information point, with volunteers sharing their local knowledge and helping visitors explore the area.
Throughout the week, the space comes alive with activity. Regular groups – from crochet and craft sessions to Mahjong – sit alongside supper clubs and monthly lunches. During the past two winters, the shop has also opened as a Community Warm Space, offering a safe, welcoming place to spend time, connect with others and enjoy a hot drink.
The impact goes even further, supporting personal growth and opportunity. One notable example is an 18-year-old neurodivergent young woman who approached the shop for work experience. Initially, she found it difficult to interact with customers and lacked confidence. Over three months, with the support of volunteers and regular customer interaction, she grew in confidence and independence. By the end of her placement, she had secured an apprenticeship in childcare.
The importance of places like this
Stories like Bathford’s show just how essential community businesses are. Speaking at the anniversary celebrations, the Chair of Bath & Northeast Somerset Council said:
“Community shops across the country face enormous pressures, but this celebration showed just how much this shop means to local people. Every customer who chooses to shop locally helps keep this community asset alive for future generations.”
At Plunkett UK, we couldn’t agree more. Cafés and community hubs like this are vital to rural life. Without them, communities risk losing more than just a service; isolation can increase, opportunities for connection diminish, and local economies suffer. These spaces also provide valuable employment and development opportunities, particularly for young people.
That’s why our work matters. As pressures on the hospitality sector continue to grow, our support is needed more than ever – and we can’t do it alone.
Together, we can save rural hospitality
Has this story inspired you? We see every day the difference community businesses make – and the impact when people come together to save them.
By donating to or sharing our Save Rural Hospitality Crowdfunder, you can help Plunkett UK continue supporting rural communities to protect and run the businesses that matter most.
Together, we can keep these vital places at the heart of our communities.
