A new community-focused coffee shop opens on Manchester Road, Southport

Located at the corner of Manchester Road and Zetland Street in Southport, The Old Bakehouse Coffee Shop is establishing itself as a welcoming venue for individuals of all ages.

Offering high-quality coffee, home-cooked breakfast, brunch, and lunch options, it provides a relaxed environment where guests are encouraged to take their time and unwind.

Visitors are invited to enjoy a range of amenities, including a selection of books for both adults and children, a variety of board games, and a pleasant outdoor seating area ideal for warm days. The venue is designed to be a calm, inclusive space that fosters a sense of community and comfort.

The coffee shop is the fulfilment of a long-standing ambition for its proprietor, Maz Langshaw. After two decades of envisioning such a space, she has brought her dream to life under the framework of My Mind Matters (Merseyside) CIC, a community interest company. Her vision is for The Old Bakehouse to serve as a true community hub.

The Old Bakehouse Coffee Shop in Southport, run by Maz Langshaw. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport

Maz commented:

“A coffee shop has been a dream of mine for the past 20 years. It has been brilliant to see it opening here in Southport. I’m grateful to everyone for their support so far. I want The Old Bakehouse to be a real community hub, where people can come in and just chill and feel welcomed. You don’t need to be with someone, you can just call in. Everyone here is always welcome.”

The coffee shop actively encourages individuals to spend time reading, playing games, engaging in conversation, or even working remotely via its free Wi-Fi. Accessibility is a central priority, with an indoor quiet area, an outdoor patio, baby changing facilities, and an accessible toilet. Maz is currently arranging for a ramp to be installed at the front entrance to ensure the space is as inclusive as possible.

The venue also offers opportunities for local involvement through volunteering. Volunteers receive full barista training as well as certification in Level 2 Food Hygiene and First Aid. Additionally, Maz is preparing to introduce a programme of activities for those who prefer to contribute behind the scenes.

Max continued:

“People can come in and read books, do crosswords, play board games, they can chat about anything. This is a very accessible space, and that is very important to me. We cook everything here from scratch. It is all fresh. People love the food because it’s simple and it’s comforting.”

Food and drink at The Old Bakehouse are carefully sourced and freshly prepared. The coffee is supplied by Julius Meinl, with expert training provided by Ciro from the brand. Food ingredients, cakes, and pastries come from reputable local providers such as We Grow Co., Kylie’s Cake Shop, Em’s Cakery, and Chris Stead at Southport Meat Company.

The coffee shop is dog-friendly, and Maz has a particular passion for animal welfare—she is currently fostering her 22nd dog, and her last foster, Frankie, was adopted by one of the café’s patrons.

“Manchester Road is such a beautiful community to be part of. The other independent businesses around here are so friendly and supportive. We all help each other. This part of Manchester Road is like a hidden gem.”

Maz is also committed to revitalising the outdoor area adjacent to the café. She is encouraging input from the local community to transform the space into something valuable for residents and visitors alike, such as a venue for artisan markets, live music, or a safe play area for children.

“Outside the shop, on the corner of Manchester Road and Zetland Street, I am trying to improve this dead area and make it into a community space. I want members of the community to let me know what they’d like to see in this space. It could host little artisan fairs; it could be a space for kids to go; it could be somewhere where musicians play. It’s been a dead space for a long time, a real grot spot, and it needs improving to benefit the people who live and work around here. I am keen to hear from any local businesses that may be able to help me to improve this space.”