Couple designed café out of love for their little boy

ASH AND ROB'S NEW RELAXING STOP-OFF WAS CAREFULLY CREATED

- By LYNETTE PINCHESS

THE coffee at a new café is excellent and the cakes are scrumptious.

The décor is modern and sleek so any customer walking in would think District Coffee is another welcome addition to Nottingham's food and drink scene.

But what you wouldn't realise without talking to the owners Ash Williams and Rob Haughton is that a great deal of thought has been given to the features.

While emphasising that it's not a special needs or neurodivergent coffee shop, there are certain elements to make children or adults with those conditions feel more comfortable.

It all stems from their love for their six-year-old son, who suffered a stroke at a young age, leaving him with cerebral palsy and autism.

Ash has always worked in hospitality and event management, with her first job at the former Fiveways pub in Sherwood. After her son was born, the industry's long hours combined with hospital appointments, proved difficult.

“Rob always wanted a coffee shop anyway and because I’ve worked in the industry I knew it would be easier to have our own place,” said Ash.

The duo started out by taking a coffee cart, built by Rob, to pop-up events and markets such as the Garage in Chilwell.

The cart, which can be used indoors as well as outdoors, has been to weddings and corporate events. “We like to have a personal relationship with customers,” she said.