One day as Jamie was looking out of his office window at one of the iconic tramway waiting rooms, which to his surprise was available for rent - in no time he was on the phone to the council and snatching up the beautiful stone building .. I was none the wiser, until Jamie came home with the keys and said "I’ve got you your coffee shop" .. this was when 1617 coffee house became a reality!

The name of the shop was created by myself as it’s mine & Jamie’s children’s date of birth and instantly meant something to us both as a family!

With my knowledge of coffee & Jamie’s skills as a joiner, the beautiful coffee house was opened in January 2023 and we haven’t looked back since.

Not only is the coffee house a very intimate space that seats 5. That doesn’t stop me from coming up with ideas of workshops, run clubs and also a gift shop for all local businesses from local bakers who bake fresh for the shop on a daily basis, to local gift makers & candle makers there is nothing that 1617 haven’t thought of!

We are more than just a coffee house as we like to say, we are a safe sanctuary for all & will continue to bring more for the town of darwen & surrounding areas.