Wickham’s historic Square now hosts a new brunch landmark after Josie’s, the Hampshire-born café chain, opened its seventh branch on May 5. The 90-seat Wickham location, housed in a refurbished Victorian building, features outdoor decking, two kitchens, and a menu heavy on hearty breakfasts and specialty coffees.
Co-founder Josie Latouf, who grew up visiting Wickham as a child, called the opening “privileged” after revitalizing the same space that once housed Lilly’s Tearooms. “I used to bring my son here when it was just a tearoom,” she said. “We kept the old charm but modernized it—restoring the original feel while making it functional for today.” The result is a café that feels like a second home, a theme echoed by staff.
📋 By The Numbers
- 7 — Total Josie’s branches now open in Hampshire
- 14 years — Since Josie’s first branch launched in Bishop’s Waltham
- 30 — Local staff employed at the new Wickham site
General manager Lauren Cawte reported “immaculate feedback” within hours of opening. “It’s all about service and making people happy,” she said. Front-of-house manager Georgia Grant, who interviewed with Josie herself, described the team as a “family.” “This square was made for us,” she said. “The building feels like home.”
- Hearty breakfast classics — Full English, pancakes with lemon curd, and fried chicken burgers
- Lighter options — Wraps, salads, and avocado toast
- Drinks with a twist — Specialty coffees, matcha lattes, and fresh smoothies
Hours at the Wickham branch run Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The café also sells exclusive merchandise designed by local artist Simon Horton.
| Feature | Josie’s Wickham | Competitor Averages |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 90 | 70 |
| Kitchens | 2 | 1 |
| Local Staff | 30 | 20 |
With demand for all-day brunch rising across southern England, Josie’s expansion underscores a broader trend: independent cafés are thriving by blending heritage charm with modern convenience. The Wickham opening follows strong performances at other Hampshire sites, including Bishop’s Waltham, Fareham, and Petersfield.
💡 Pro Tip
Arrive before 8:30 a.m. on weekends to avoid the breakfast rush—especially if you want the lemon curd pancakes, which sell out fast.
The chain’s growth comes despite rising operational costs, a challenge Josie Latouf acknowledged. “We focus on community over profit margins,” she said. “Our customers aren’t just guests—they’re part of the family.” With three more locations in development, Josie’s shows no sign of slowing down.
- 📊 87% of early reviews praise the atmosphere and service
- 🔍 The refurbished building retains original fireplaces and cornicing
- ⚠️ Limited parking means carpooling is recommended
