A popular independent coffee shop in Plymouth’s Hyde Park is seeking community support to expand its offering with a new deli.
Sonny’s, established in 2023 by local couple Lou and Dan, has launched a Crowdfunder campaign with the goal of raising £10,000 to bring high-quality, locally sourced produce to the area.
Lou and Dan, who named the business after their son, say Hyde Park holds special significance for them, having grown up in the area and attended Hyde Park School. Since opening, Sonny’s has become a well-loved part of the community, offering a carefully curated brunch menu and a small selection of retail goods. The couple now hopes to extend this into a fully-fledged deli to meet what they describe as a strong demand from local residents.
Plans for the Deli
The proposed deli will stock a range of fresh and locally sourced products, including eggs, dairy, cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal British fruit and vegetables. The couple is also in discussions with a local butcher to arrange a weekly meat delivery service, and they aim to expand their existing partnership with Heyl, a Plymouth-based vegan bakery.
Drinks will feature prominently, with an emphasis on British suppliers, including kombuchas, iced teas, craft sodas, and kefir. The shop is also in the process of applying for an alcohol licence, with a view to stocking natural wines and craft beers.
In addition to fresh produce, Sonny’s intends to offer a range of pantry staples such as oils, spices, and pasta, as well as a lifestyle section featuring ceramics, skincare products, and gifts. The aim is to support small local businesses looking to expand their reach.
How Funds Will Be Used
The Crowdfunder aims to secure funding for key equipment and improvements, including:
- A deli fridge to showcase fresh produce
- An expanded retail space to enhance the shopping experience
- A new oven for preparing hot sandwiches and baked goods
- A website for pre-orders and collections
- A coffee grinder to offer freshly ground beans to customers
Lou and Dan stress that sustainability is a key part of their vision. They plan to prioritise working with local producers and will offer discounts to customers who bring their own refillable takeaway containers.
Community Support
The couple is encouraging the Hyde Park and wider Plymouth community to contribute to the campaign and help bring their vision to life.
“We want to create a shopping experience within the space, that is easy to navigate and grab what you need.”
they said.
“We want to work with local and sustainable producers and suppliers. The closer they are to Plymouth, the better.”
The Crowdfunder campaign is now live, with further details available on the Sonny’s social media pages.
