For four decades, Oliver’s Coffee House has been a Sherborne meeting place. As it celebrates its 40th birthday, owner Jane Kurpierz is turning the anniversary into support for two local rural charities.
‘Don’t change a thing – except the coffee. Can you change that?’ Those were the words whispered to Jane Kurpierz by a regular when she took over Oliver’s Coffee House 15 years ago.
‘I grew up in Sherborne,’ says Jane. ‘I always knew Oliver’s was the place to meet and eat good local food, so when I bought the business I didn’t have any major plans to shake things up – apart from the coffee.’
Oliver’s was established on Cheap Street in 1986 and celebrates its 40th anniversary this November. Jane says trading remains tough, but the café benefits from Sherborne’s independent shops, schools and the opening of The Sherborne.
More important to her, however, is its place in the community. ‘For some of our customers, we’re the only interaction they will have that day,’ she told Dorset Life. ‘Many friendships have been formed around our big, long communal table.’
The café also hosts the Dorset Mental Health Forum’s weekly social, while Jane, who has worked in hospitality since she was 14, is keen to give local teenagers their first experience of working life.
Oliver’s offers work experience placements to pupils from Harbour Vale School, has an apprentice from Yeovil College and employs students from The Gryphon School as Saturday staff. Others have stayed considerably longer: ‘Mandi, who does most of our home baking, has been at Oliver’s even longer than me!’
Supporting young people
The past 15 years have not been without their challenges. Oliver’s came through the pandemic by reopening as early as possible and expanding its delivery service, while Jane has also had a series of health issues. ‘When I was in hospital, having documented procedures ready to go meant the team could cover my role simply by following the instructions,’ she says. ‘I swiftly learnt that I am not irreplaceable!’
For the 40th anniversary, Jane is using the celebrations to support two charities based at Rylands Farm near Holnest.
Countrymen UK provides a supportive environment for farmers and other men with rural backgrounds, alongside support for their families and carers. Future Roots works with children and young people through farming and the countryside. ‘I’ve seen first-hand the benefits young people get from visiting Rylands Farm,’ Jane says. ‘Many of these children could pursue a career in farming after their positive experiences there, and it’s vital that we encourage the next generation.’
Oliver’s will mark its birthday with homemade cake and a raffle raising money for the two charities.
‘Turning 40 is also a time for us to thank the people of Sherborne,’ says Jane. ‘We want everyone to continue enjoying Oliver’s warm welcome.’
Forty years after its doors first opened, the coffee may have changed – but apparently the regular who told Jane not to change much else had a point.
oliverscoffeehouse.co.uk
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