England Football Legend's Coffee Shop Offers Surprising Value
There's a growing trend of sports stars venturing into the hospitality industry, with notable examples including Rio Ferdinand's Italian restaurant ventures and the extensive hotel portfolio developed by Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs. However, in the Manchester suburb of Northenden, a quieter but equally impressive success story is brewing at Boxx2Boxx, the coffee shop launched by England Lioness legend Jill Scott MBE and her partner Shelly Unitt.
A Community Hub With Football Heritage
Originally opened in 2021, Boxx2Boxx proved so popular that expansion became necessary within a short period. The solution was a move just a few doors down the same road, allowing the business to grow while maintaining its connection to the local community that had embraced it from the beginning.
On a recent Tuesday morning visit, the first thing that caught my attention was the prominent sign advertising "Coffee and a pastry for £5." In today's economic climate where many establishments charge nearly that amount for a coffee alone, this represents remarkable value that immediately sets Boxx2Boxx apart from typical high street coffee chains.
More Than Just Coffee: A Football Fan's Paradise
While the quality beverages would be reason enough to visit, football enthusiasts will find additional delights throughout the cafe. The walls are adorned with sporting memorabilia and inspiration, including a framed England shirt and portraits of Lioness legends accompanied by motivational information about each player.
The establishment has attracted numerous famous visitors, with photographic evidence including Jamie Redknapp, Ian Wright, Ella Toone, Steph Houghton, and even Coronation Street actor Andy Whyment among those captured on the wall of fame. The space itself is bright, stylish, and thoughtfully designed, creating an inviting atmosphere for both casual visitors and dedicated football fans.
The Coffee Experience: Quality Meets Affordability
Unfortunately arriving just after the 11am cutoff for the £5 coffee and pastry deal, I instead sampled a flat white at its regular price of £3.40. Served in elegant black crockery, the coffee demonstrated the owners' commitment to quality that Shelly Unitt referenced when discussing their approach: "Me and Jill aren't snobby people but one of the things we are snobby about is good coffee."
The pastries, sourced from acclaimed Didsbury bakery La Chouquette, have developed such a reputation that they frequently sell out early. For those who miss the morning deal like I did, the menu offers reasonably-priced alternatives including crumpets or teacakes for £4, scrambled egg on sourdough toast for £7, and full breakfast options (both vegetarian and traditional) for £10.95.
Building Community Connections
Jill Scott, who also won I'm a Celebrity in 2022, has emphasized the importance of Boxx2Boxx as a community hub rather than merely a commercial venture. Since opening, the cafe has fostered connections through various events including sticker swaps, open mic nights, and after-club coffee sessions.
This community focus influenced their decision to remain in Northenden when expansion became necessary. Shelly explained their attachment to the area: "It feels like home here and it's just a wonderful community. We wanted to stay so when the opportunity came up for a bigger space on the same road, we just took it with both hands really."
The cafe's reputation has extended far beyond Manchester, with visitors reportedly traveling from as far as Australia and Hong Kong to experience what Boxx2Boxx offers. Both Jill and Shelly remain actively involved in the day-to-day operations, ensuring the personal touch that has contributed to their success.
Having experienced Boxx2Boxx firsthand, it's clear that Jill Scott and Shelly Unitt have created something special that combines quality coffee, surprising affordability, football heritage, and genuine community spirit in equal measure.
