Winstons.
Winstons was a cafe but not one of these new and trendy aeropress-joints, but a traditional Caf. One that’s been there as long as anyone could remember, with peeling paint, proper portions and no website. You’re given funny looks as you walk in by the regulars but if you stare back and pluck up the courage to start a conversation, stories will flow and before you know it, you’ll be one of the regulars too. A proper hub of the community, the daily chin wag, a place for priests, builders, authors and delinquents. A starting point. A meeting point. A friendly face. Another victim of big chains and highstreet decline.
Having moved to a new area, I had decided to not simply be just another transient student but to get to know the community and the place that I had come to live. Andy the owner of Winstons took me under his wing and introduced me to the locals. Here, I spent months learning the history of the area and listening to their stories. All of which has informed many projects during the following years.
You never know where inspiration might come from, but simply being curious and actively engaging with people can only lead to positive outcomes.
Sadly, with the development of chain stores only minutes away the passing trade dwindled, the long standing regulars came less as opening hours were shortened due to rent increase. A stronghold of the community finally closed its doors for the last time.
