Bringing the buzz up North

Timothy and Victoria Bosworth loved their life in London. She travelled the world, working in marketing for cosmetic giant Estee Lauder. He was forging a career in digital publishing and branding. But when Timothy was left a small, but life-changing inheritance, it encouraged them to think about what they really wanted for the future.

They considered buying a house and even relocating to the island of Ibiza, where they had married in 2012 and enjoyed regular holidays. In the end, they chose the most frightening but thrilling option, giving up their secure, well-paid jobs and ploughing all their money and savings into moving back to Yorkshire to set up a speciality espresso bar, even though neither of them had any experience in catering.

Being close to family was one of the main attractions of the traditional spa town of Harrogate. Timothy had grown up here, while Victoria came from Guiseley. With its stylish shops, good schools and glorious countryside on the doorstep, they could see it had much to offer for young families.

“I felt like life was passing me by and working for a large multinational company suddenly felt too pressurised,” says Victoria, who promoted brands including Jo Malone, MAC Cosmetics and Bobbi Brown. They had been in London 11 years: “There comes a moment when you stop and think: ‘Is this it?’ says Timothy. “It was time for something new.”

But they didn’t want to leave the diversity, variety and buzz of the capital city behind. One of the things they particularly enjoyed was the lively speciality espresso bars in areas, such as Hoxton North, which boast creative, community hubs. “Hoxton used to be a run-down area of East London but it was full of individuals doing interesting things. There were florists and designers and small firms making bespoke jam and clothing. That creates a catalyst of energy which feeds motivation and brings change. It became my happy place.”

So Timothy and Victoria thought they would bring a taste of London to Harrogate, with their speciality coffee bar also hosting social events including talks, exhibitions and film and live music nights, as well as special Champagne evenings. They also sell a small number of stylish, hand-crafted items, including pottery and handbags, as well as lifestyle books and poetry, which are all also available on their website.

It seemed logical to name their café after the East End district which inspired them. “Hoxton is known for its independent coffee shop culture and we wanted to bring that passion, culture and style to Harrogate,” explains Tim.

Although they didn’t have any experience when they started out, the couple have friends who run bars and restaurants and have built up a portfolio of speciality coffee roasters. Having been trained by one of the UK’s top coffee experts, they now serve a range of espresso and filter based coffees, alongside speciality whole or ground beans for brewing at home. They have also cultivated a number of small, independent wine merchants and local, artisan bakers. “Working in this industry is similar in many ways to working in luxury cosmetics. It’s about quality, people and experiences,” says Victoria.

She and Timothy, whose mothers live in the same village outside Harrogate, met on a night out in Leeds and have been together ever since. Losing his father, who died of a heart attack when he was just 11, and also his older sister, who died of a diabetes-related illness, has been a driving force for Timothy. Aware that life can be all too short, he has always been determined to make the most of it. Having studied psychology at university, he thought he was going to change the world: “Like most students do,” he says. “But then I realised the world didn’t need any more psychologists.”

He eventually worked in information technology and set up his first website, thinkbigbebig.com, which showcased luxury products and property, in 2006. He also wrote blogs, children’s story books and set up his own clothing label. More recently, he worked in branding and strategy. “Timothy always had a determination to do well and is a bit of an entrepreneur,” says Victoria. “The biggest challenge for me was switching off from the corporate way of thinking and embracing the entrepreneurial mindset. But I wanted a taste of what it is like to succeed in something that is your own idea and being master of your own destiny.”

They found the ideal location to realise their dream on Parliament Street, close to the iconic Betty’s tearooms. It was a small, narrow space, originally an old, Edwardian clothes shop. “It was perfect, with Bettys on the corner, Jamie’s Italian and Nando’s up the street and the Conference Centre only two minutes away,” says Tim. The narrow space was a challenge but they had lots of creative ideas about how to transform it.

Ploughing all they had into their new venture took a leap of faith, but they opened three years ago. “It was very frightening. But there are no rewards without risk,” says Tim. “I felt excited and nervous at the same time,” says Victoria. “For me, especially, there would no longer be the security of a pay cheque at the end of the month. The most difficult thing is the uncertainty. You put everything you have into trying to create something that you hope people will get.”

Their bravado paid off. In less than four months after opening, Hoxton North reached number one on Trip Advisor for Harrogate restaurants and cafes. And, despite their lack of experience, they were shortlisted in the best newcomer category in the Harrogate Hospitality and Tourism awards in 2014.

Victoria and Timothy now have a one-year-old daughter, Saffron. “The fact your livelihood is now 100 per cent in your hands can be quite daunting .But this becomes even more paramount when you add a baby into the mix,” adds Victoria.

But they are convinced they made the right decision. “The obvious change has to be the pace of life, one of the things I love about living here. Over the years I seem to have a greater appreciation of the simpler things in life, being close to open countryside for example. It’s so exhilarating and good for the soul,” says Victoria.

The couple, who used to live in the leafy suburb of West Hampstead, now rent a two-storey flat in Harrogate, close to the Stray. “I scoot around on the ‘company car’ which is actually a bike,” says Tim. “Although I love the energy of London, I don’t miss not being on the Tube. And I can be in the countryside in two minutes.”

Their customers, from young, trendy students to business people, tourists and retirees, have become their friends. And they have noticed a trend for more people, like them, moving out of the capital city for a lifestyle change. “About 30 of our regular customers have moved out of London in the last few years,” says Tim.

Now employing four members of staff, the couple plan to open a second bar. “For all the worry and uncertainty that comes with running your own business, there’s nothing more rewarding then seeing your vision come to life and evolve in front of your eyes,” says Victoria.

• Hoxton North, 52, Parliament Street, Harrogate HG1. W: hoxtonnorth.com