A much-loved Altrincham caravan that once helped bring new life to Stamford Square has returned to the town centre - this time with a new name, a new owner and a fresh lease of life.
Owl Town, based in New Market Square on Central Way opposite the Everyman Cinema, combines vinyl records, speciality coffee and craft beer – and will celebrate its official opening this weekend.
Behind the venture is Altrincham resident Lewis Kirk, 50, who has swapped a 25-year career in television post-production for life as an independent trader.
Lewis, who has lived in Altrincham since 2012, was made redundant around a year ago and found freelance opportunities increasingly difficult to come by.
"In television the work is just drying up," he said. "I hadn't worked for a while and I thought I've got to do something different."
He remembered the Stutter & Twitch caravan from its days in Stamford Square, where during the Covid lockdown it had become a popular destination for coffee, beer and records.
After discovering that former owner Ryan was still holding on to the caravan, Lewis approached him about buying it.
The caravan had been sitting unused on a farm - Ryan has since gone on to open à bloc - but still contained its original beer taps and coffee machine.
Just six weeks later, following a refurbishment and respray, it was back in business at its new home alongside Altrincham Market.
"It's all happened really quickly, to be honest. It went from just talking about it a lot, and not thinking it would ever really happen, to in the space of about six weeks being sat here."
Lewis is keen to support local suppliers, stocking Kickback Coffee, pastries from MOST Bakery and beers from Mobberley-based Weekend Project, alongside a selection from Market House's Black Jack Brewery.
The vinyl collection includes new and second-hand records, with Lewis using a specialist cleaning machine to restore older finds.
"I just like the idea that they could have ended up in landfill, but instead they're being brought back to life," he said.
His longer-term ambition is to open a permanent venue inspired by Japanese listening bars, where customers enjoy records played on high-quality sound systems.
"Ultimately, my plan is to try and open a bricks-and-mortar place in maybe a year or two if this does well," he said.
For now, Lewis is enjoying becoming part of Altrincham's independent trading community.
"Everyone's been so welcoming," he said. "It's been great fun so far. Everyone's just talking about music, drinking coffee, chatting to people."
Owl Town's official launch takes place this Saturday and Sunday (October 24 and 25).
Saturday will feature a DJ from 2pm, while Sunday's attractions include a visit from Cheshire Falconry with Walter the Eurasian eagle owl, available for photo opportunities between 1pm and 2pm.
Another DJ will perform from 2pm on Sunday, with craft beers, cider, Kickback Coffee and hot chocolate available throughout the weekend.
