“How a coffee machine helped to save our family business during lockdown,” says owner of Sheffield's Hagglers Corner

When Hagglers Corner was forced to close its doors in March, as the country went into lockdown, owners Sarah Ingolfsdottir and Dave Knott didn’t know if they’d ever re-open.
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“It was devastating,” says Sarah, who launched the community hub in Lowfield with her husband over a decade ago.

“Our whole world was turned upside down, and in the blink of an eye, we were faced with the realisation this could possibly by the end of everything we’d built up for ten years.”

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As it turned out, a quick-thinking decision on the couple’s part, helped secure the business’s survival.

Sarah Ingolfsdottir, of Hagglers Corner, pictured in the 'Hagglers Hatch' that saved her family business during lockdownSarah Ingolfsdottir, of Hagglers Corner, pictured in the 'Hagglers Hatch' that saved her family business during lockdown
Sarah Ingolfsdottir, of Hagglers Corner, pictured in the 'Hagglers Hatch' that saved her family business during lockdown

“We brought the coffee machine home with us,” Sarah says simply.

“We decided, during lockdown, to go back to basics and do what we do best.

“We returned to our roots, baking brownies and serving real coffee.”

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The pair set up shop at home in Meersbrook, serving takeaway drinks and baked goods from the hatch in their garden gate, which has affectionately become known to their neighbours as ‘Hagglers Hatch.’

The 'Hagglers Hatch' that saved family business, Hagglers Corner, during lockdownThe 'Hagglers Hatch' that saved family business, Hagglers Corner, during lockdown
The 'Hagglers Hatch' that saved family business, Hagglers Corner, during lockdown

“It was born out of necessity, as with our family business out of action, we really needed to make ends meet,” says the mum-of-two.

“We reached out to our neighbours, who spread the word on Whatsapp groups and through word of mouth, and everybody came flooding.”

‘Hagglers Hatch’ was initially open five days a week, and then three days, as Sarah and Dave slowly returned their focus to Hagglers Corner, which is currently undergoing refurbishment in preparation to reopen over the summer.

“It kept us going - in more ways than one,” says Sarah.

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“It provided an income at a time when we really needed it, and we’ve had a steady stream of customers through from day one.

“It also gave us a focus, which we really needed, and a way of continuing to engage with our community, which is what Hagglers has always been about.”

When Sarah and David initially took on Hagglers Corner, the place was little more than a derelict factory - a one-time sweetmakers, ironmongers and coal dealers long since abandoned to the pigeons that roosted there.

But after much hard work on the couple’s part, the complex became a thriving community hub - a bohemian haven providing a home for independent businesses, gigs, yoga classes, events, the Kaffihus café, workspaces, and a public bar, bringing together local ales, craft beer, and a programme of live music.

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“Having made it through the last three months, thanks to ‘Hagglers Hatch,’ exciting things are now in the works,” smiles Sarah.

“We’ve managed to secure a grant, so we’re busy expanding the bar, resurfacing the courtyard, and building an enormous mezzanine, which we’re hoping to have ready to re-open mid to late August.

“We’ve also got a new hair salon upstairs where the yoga studio used to be, which is opening on July 4.”As for Hagglers Hatch, it’s served its purpose beautifully, and Sarah served her final home-brewed coffee through the garden gate over the weekend.

“We’re so grateful to our community for keeping us going, we owe them so much.”

Visit Hagglers Corner online.

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