About
hive stores
In 2018, we (Steven and Gareth) embarked on an exciting journey, transforming an old storage unit into an antique shop in Altrincham, which became known locally as The Hive!
When covid hit in 2020 we added a catering trailer to the courtyard and started serving sweet treats and drinks to the community. After lockdown we realised the community was craving a social space, when the neighbouring property became available, we shifted gears from selling vintage treasures to serving fabulous drinks from our café bar.
Over the years, Hive Stores has blossomed into a beloved hotspot, where fantastic food and drink meet a vibrant atmosphere. Today, it's a unique space that brings locals together creating new friendships.
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stores Timeline
1940's-1970's
Provisions
history
The front facing shops (31 and 32) were the heart and soul of the community. Serving as the local bakery, greengrocers, butchers and provision stores for the neighbourhood.
Originally set up by Lesley Sparkes before being taken
over by Alan Merrill.
Meanwhile 32a was Mr Carters builders yard, a local builder working on the expansion of the local streets.
1980's-2000's
Retail
history
Whilst 32a remained a builders yard, taken over by Malcolm Jackson, 31 and 32 were primarily homeware shops in the care of various business owners.
Rona & Benny had an antique shop and Mrs Crawford had a secondhand bookshop before Tony White set up a pine shop and Dorothy Jackson set up a DIY shop.
2010-2023
Our
arrival
Malcolm and Dorothy Jackson both retired but retained 32a as a home storage / workshop. It is with them where our story starts! As we took over 32a in 2018 after visiting their workshop to buy some galvanised wears for our secondhand stall at Altrincham Market.
Whilst the front shops had brief incarnations as a carpet shop set up by Jared Harris and a craft shop "Happy Pot Stop" by Lynn Bingham.
Martin Butterworth, an online distributer of Irish CD's & DVD's was our predecessor and spent many hours a day working behind the closed doors.
2023-2024
The
renovation
During the 6 years of using 32a as a homeware shop we knew we would become the tenants of 31 and 32, but we never expected to create what we created! We spent an entire 12 months stripping paint, repointing brickwork, laying floors, knocking walls down, putting walls up, designing panelling and building counters!
2024-Present
Current
plans
Since opening the cafe bar we have continued to adapt and evolve the business to make it a place to serve the local community.
Our old retail shop in 32a has since closed and we have now turned it into a lounge area for grown ups to work hard during the day and play hard during the evenings.
