The gentrification of Congleton's Swan Bank continues, as Black Circle Coffee have opened their doors.

Situated in the former Barley Hops building on 2 Swan Bank, the artisan coffee house is open five days per week.

Six people will work at the new café, with all but one of the staff being residents of Congleton.

The company was founded in 2014 by Mark Slinger, who started blending and roasting beans in his home near Congleton Town FC.

You'll expect perfect latte art and flavourful brews at Black Circle Coffee.

Following a boost of his online coffee bag sales during the pandemic, Black Circle Coffee now have their first-ever high street presence.

A unique selling point of the Congleton business is their range of coffees.

Alongside old favourites, there are diverse products like an alcohol-free espresso martini and nitro coffee.

The latter of which, being a new way to experience the nation's second favourite drink.

Mark pours a nitro coffee, which is popular in The Big Apple. Some of the food menu is also inspired by NYC. They also sell paninis such as Brie and vegetable, ham and cheese, and a signature Cuban panini with lime-marinated pulled pork.

"Nitro coffee is a 81% nitrogen cold brew with a velvety flavour. It has a head on it like a Guinness," explained barista Izzy

"There's only one Starbucks in Manchester that does it, so it is quite an exclusive thing we can offer to Congleton.

"We also do teas, milkshakes, smoothies and frappes. Oat milk coffees are also available.

"We also do a range of caffeinated and decaffeinated teas."

Young baristas Izzy and Alessandro are two of the friendly faces looking forward to serve Congleton top quality coffee.

The nitro coffee idea and one of the shop's panini sandwiches (Ruben Pastrami) take cues from New York City.

"I am obsessed with New York", added Mark.

"The black and white theme of the interior did sort of come from that.

"I've been there loads, it is my unofficial second home [aside Congleton].

"Nitro coffee is big over there, and it is big down south [of England] as well.

There are 26 seats inside, and four seats outside for people with dogs. There is also a toilet and plugs.

"But there is nowhere around here that does that thing.

"It was an opportunity to give Congleton something a bit different."

The espresso bar offers a grab-and-go style service, but also has ample seating both inside or outside the building.

Mark, who has lived in Congleton for almost 20 years, wants to help unlock the untapped potential of our town.

The business started with selling special blends online and manufacture coffee machines, they now have their first coffee shop.

"I used to own The Alexandra Court Hotel on 7 Newcastle Road," he added.

"I bought that in 2004, and moved to Congleton just after we bought that."

"I love it here, my kids grew up here. I like the fact that Congleton feels like it is 'countryside, but not countryside'.

"I spend a lot of time at the Mere, my kids go on the boat in the lake. I love going up Giantswood Lane as well.

They have 6,000 followers across social media.

"I think it is an undeveloped town that will very soon become something different.

"Bits of Wilmslow are pushing into this area, they are building thousands of houses every year, and people are putting loads of money in the place.

"ndy has put loads of money into The Lion and Swan opposite us, I think there is plenty of opportunity here.

"And I think we look really great outside, and it is a good location. It took us about six weeks to refurb, and I think it looks beautiful inside.'

A Congleton baker will also supply bakes to Black Circle Coffee.

They are open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am-4:30pm. 

Congleton: You can follow Black Circle Coffee on Facebook or Instagram.

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