Ground. coffee shop set to open in Ringwood town centre

The Ground. coffee shop is set to occupy a newly refurbished unit in Christchurch Road, formerly Berry’s Hairdressing, where visitors are promised a unique experience unlike anywhere else in Ringwood.

Brothers-in-law James Rowe and Ben Britton decided the time was right to set up their dream venture after learning their partners’ expected babies are both due one day apart.

Expectant first time father James, of Ringwood, and already father to twins Ben, of Burton, say their shop will aim to help the town’s economy by keeping almost every aspect of the coffee bar’s offerings local.

With an aim to open on or around October 1, Ground. will serve coffee from independent Bournemouth-based roasters Bad Hand Coffee as well as welcome products from businesses within Ringwood and nearby areas.

The Ground. coffee shop set to open in Ringwood (Image: Ground.)

Ahead of opening, James told the Echo: “We are both really passionate about coffee and had been thinking about it for such a long time. With babies on the way we both thought we’ve got to go for it now and set up a future for our kids.

“The idea of it is just to create something totally different. We’ll be really coffee focused because it really is a lifestyle and culture for people.

“We’re both into music too so we’ll be selling vinyl’s and will have daily music playlists which people can interact with.

“We’re not going to rush it because we want to get everything right. We both love Ringwood and this is a perfect central spot with a cheap car park right behind it. Also, we’ll be trying to keep everything local from produce to packaging.

“It will be an experience, not like just walking into a tea room – we’re going well away from that. Most coffee shops are very rustic so we wanted to go down a completely different route and start a new trend. Then, maybe, we could start up a few more in the area.”

Ground. coffee shop coming soon to Ringwood (Image: Ground.)

Internally, the shop is expected to feature a ‘growing’ plant ceiling, concrete floors, oak slats and a resin bar.

James, who previously set up Boss Barbering in Winton, also played several senior matches for AFC Bournemouth while the club competed in League One in the mid-2000s before injuries ended his professional career.

Ben, meanwhile, has worked in the building trade for many years.

Some snack food will also be served at Ground., including cookies and brownies made by the partners of James and Ben – adding to the “family orientated” initiative.

James concluded: “It will be a place for people to come to listen to great music, drink some amazing coffee and put some money back into this community.”