Coffee that fuels the hustle

It all started with a simple idea. Creative duo Mark and Fiona felt that Stockport was in need of great coffee, the kind that could fuel big ideas, inspire creativity and keep the town’s busy minds going. And so, Hustle Coffee was born. 

Starting life as a little brown coffee van, you may have spotted the pair serving up their brews outside the football ground or around the Underbank. It wasn’t long before word began to spread, and their passion for good coffee helped the business get off to a flying start. 

And when it comes to their coffee philosophy, they keep things simple. Their motto? The coffee is so good, there’s no need for syrups. 

Can you tell me a bit about yourselves? 

“We’re Mark and Fiona, Stockport locals, creatives with a love for the outdoors and building communities. Mark is a personal stylist, with a background mixed between coffee and clothing for the last 14 years, and Fiona is a photographer and graphic designer specialising in people, place and events, based at GRIT Studios Kingston. 

We’ve both founded communities in our niche. Mark created Unpick the Stitch, an event series celebrating the journey of personal style, bridging the gap between industry and consumer. Fiona built the Independent Co WhatsApp community for freelancers building something on their own terms, with real-life gatherings and coworking communities.” 

“Our little brown van can be spotted zipping across Stockport, or you can pop into our new Coffee House under the iconic viaduct at Weir Mill.” 

 Why did you start out on your own? Where did the stimulus come from to go it alone? 

“We had a dream to open our own space shaped for community before we were 30. As Stockport residents and commuters into Manchester, we recognised a gap in the market for specialty coffee before 9AM. The opportunity came up to buy a coffee van, and we jumped on it, even without a driving licence. Mark passed in April, Fiona designed the brand, and business began.  

Our little Suzuki Carry has since responded to events and activations across Stockport and beyond. From the Stockport 10K to the opening of a new city centre park. We’ve enjoyed every moment! It’s been a joy over the last few months as we’ve built the brand while waiting for our permit on the Edgeley side of Stockport’s Railway Station.”  

So, what makes you unique?  

“We want to be known for great coffee, without the need for sugar or syrups; building and serving communities; and fuelling big ideas by bringing coffee to where you least expect it. 

We are different from others; diversity in business is always a good thing. We may not be for everyone, and that’s okay, because there are some genuinely amazing businesses that we love!

What started as a restriction due to a lack of space in the back of our van, has since allowed us to refine our offering to the best of what we can find. Simple coffee that tastes great, alongside local bakes and treats we wouldn’t (couldn’t) say no to ourselves. Every product we serve at Hustle is something we honestly believe in.”  

 

How have you found settling into Stockport? 

“We’ve lived here long enough to call ourselves locals and have enjoyed celebrating our friends as they experiment and ‘open up shop’. Stockport is the place where no idea is too big or colourful. Over the years, we’ve built so many strong connections with independents and creatives, and we’re honoured to join the ranks! 

We chose Stockport because it’s home, so it only feels right. Plus, who doesn’t love a short commute. It offers independence, freedom to express and experiment, and a brilliant support network.” 

 

How have you built connections in the town? 

Simply spending time in Stockport and investing in the community we are a part of. Whether that’s making sure you get your sausages from the local butcher or choosing a friend’s cafe over a large corporation. You can’t tap into something without helping build the foundations, and that’s why we go local where we can, picking the best of what we can find. 

Community means everything to us and is the main reason we started Hustle, to serve our local community and bridge the gap between Stockport centre and the other side of the A6. Whether we are showcasing our own events or serving coffee at someone else’s; coffee is usually a byproduct of people coming together. 

We’re excited to be collaborating with ‘RUN MCR’, Stockport FC (Men and Womens), Runderbanks, Rapha and others to bring active gatherings under Stockport Viaduct. Equally, we’re developing a calendar of events for residents and those engaging with our spaces.”  

 

What plans do you have ahead?  

“It’s crazy how much has happened in such a short amount of time. So much so, people are usually surprised to hear Hustle hasn’t actually been running for that long! But essentially, we want to teach people that good coffee is the answer to all your problems – or at least one of them!”