Who knew shipping containers could give Falmouth’s food scene such a weirdly delightful caffeinated jolt?
Meet Amelia Smith, the former primary school teacher turned coffee entrepreneur. She turned a humble 20-ft shipping container into the popular Old Foundry Coffee at Tregoniggie Industrial Estate, Falmouth. Now, bolstered by a £25,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank, she’s launched a second outlet at Kernick Business Park in Penryn—complete with another container, serving hatch, and even a proper place for customers to park their bum cheeks outside.
Why Two Containers Are Better Than One
- Built for speed: Amelia quips that the first container took six months to sort, while this one was slotted in just six weeks. Someone clearly found the fast‑forward button.
- Made good use of mentors: A lot of café dreams waffle without a mentor—but Amelia had Suzy Lowe from SWIG Finance guiding her, step by step.
- Local love on the menu: Expect sourdough toasties, homemade cakes, and supported local suppliers—like Vicky’s Bread, Foundation Coffee, and Trevarthen butchers. Tasty and cornish‑centric.
“It made it possible to turn my idea of expanding the business into a reality… I couldn’t have done it without that initial support.”
— Amelia Smith, via Insider Media
With two poured perfect containers under her belt—and the amenity of real, non-sea-view clientele—Amelia says she’s eyeing up five outlets in total. Business by sofa or coffee bean might prosper; coffee first, empire later.
Coffee lovers and budding restaurateurs—take note. This is toastie ambition and modular charm done right. Want help designing your own container café rollout, picking locations, or nailing your pitch for funding? I’ve got ideas percolating.
