Shops are open once again and the Watford Observer has joined forces with Watford Borough Council to encourage people to shop local and support businesses that have been through such a challenging time in the past 12 months.

Great coffee, friendly customer service and playing an important role in the community is proving to be a winning blend for Ocean Bells.

The family-run independent coffee shop located at 133, High Street, Watford, serves speciality coffee, loose leaf tea, home-made cakes and freshly made sandwiches.

Jon Cao took over the business from the previous owner in June 2018, having been inspired by his experiences as a customer during a previous career.

Customers being served in the shop

Customers being served in the shop

He said: “When I worked in London in the banking industry, I always went to the independent coffee shops to search great coffee, and I also realised that a well-located speciality coffee shop that is welcoming and offers people a pleasant place to meet can make all the difference in the local community. It can uplift the community, in particular in a difficult time like the pandemic.

“As an owner of coffee shop, you can socialise with you neighbours and play a big part in the local community. In this online shopping era, a successful coffee shop can help people feel a sense of community and draw people closer together.”

The Watford Observer is supporting local

The Watford Observer is supporting local

Staff at Ocean Bells have been trained to have a comprehensive understanding of the shop’s core product, but they also try and go the extra mile in other respects.

Jon said: “We are the first shop in Watford to be certificated dementia friendly, and every Tuesday from 9am to 10am we are holding a quiet hour to support people who live with dementia and autism. Our shop is also dog friendly and we even provide home-made treats for dogs for free of charge.”

Ocean Bells is situated at 133, High Street

Ocean Bells is situated at 133, High Street

Asked what he enjoys about owning the business, Jon responded: “It’s been great to see familiar faces every day in the shop, and chat with them like friends or family, knowing their names and drinks.

“We are so pleased that Ocean Bells has been such a pleasant place for a family to meet on a regular basis, and hard-working people to look for their morning fix every day. It also has been a great joy to work with such a great team.

“We work hard but we also have fun, and we are so proud that together we have created the best place to work for all of us.”