Positioned in the heart of West Brompton, “The Hoarder” is a “coffee shop, also selling unique snacks,” so says its co-owner, Michael Mulcahy. Just over the bridge from West Brompton Tube station, you will not miss it, with it being painted in a lovely photogenic green. Last week, the writer popped in a couple of days to visit, and to try some of the delicious food on sale. With an average rating on TripAdvisor of 4.9 and 4.9 on Google Maps too, I was certainly not disappointed with it. Michael and I sat down for a chat about his shop, amongst other things.

 

EW: How/Why did you decide on the current location?

MM: I wanted somewhere that had a cheap lease, but also low competition, perfect for a new shop.

 

EW: What did you start out selling?

MM: We have sold coffee since day 1, but we also sold grocery produce, such as fresh bread, fruit/vegetables. However now we do not.

 

EW: Who are your regular customers?

MM:  Usually office workers, as there is a huge police station down the road, and several of them visit daily. Though there are residents who come every day as well. Usually just for the coffee!

 

EW: What is the strangest thing you have ever sold?

MM: We once sold celery soda from America! It turned out to be a favourite, we quickly sold out, much to our surprise.

 

EW: Have you made any recent changes to the shop?

MM: We got our shop re-painted, to a green colour. Previously it was pink, but sadly the colour had faded, so it was time for a change.

 

EW: What is your aim/goal for the future?

MM: When we started out, it was simply “proof of concept,” to show that we could keep the shop going, which we did! Looking ahead to the future, we hope to open another shop elsewhere in London, selling the same things.

 

When the Hoarder started out in July 2018, they were the only coffee shop in a 10-minute walking radius. Since then, 6 other coffee shops have sprung up, on the same street, and in Brompton Cemetery. However, Michael Mulcahy is not worried about his shop, saying that “as long as I get regulars, then the shop will do fine.”  Around 60% of profits come from the sale of coffee, with pastries and cakes also popular. When the writer was there, several customers commented on how much better the coffee was than at Costa or Starbucks. Having visited it many times I will also leave an excellent review, and to tell the readers to pay a visit whenever they can.