Coppers of Gosforth is renowned among the locals in the area. Whether it be the friendly service, reliable good-quality produce, or a smashing selection of beers and wines, it is a corner shop rightly held in high esteem.
But could it be better still? Yes, was the emphatic answer of owner Andrew Cossey.
During the lockdown period when the shop was forced to close, Andrew was busy expanding and building onto his beloved corner shop.
He said: “When you stop, you go backwards. When you keep on pushing you can get more and create something special.”
Enter, Hop Secret. A charming, cosy venue built into the back of the shop, it oozes character and a welcoming atmosphere.
Walk through the shop, past the fresh fruit and veg towards the epic beer corridor and you are greeted by a curious row of taps on the far wall. Lo and behold, you’ve stumbled upon something Hop Secret.
Continue further and the corridor ends with what at first looks like a fridge, but these doors open to reveal a beautiful outside seating area and then two additional adjoining rooms with more seating.
“You can come to the shop for a pint of milk, and can leave 4 hours later with a different pint,” joked Andrew.
In his pursuit of expansion, Andrew has made sure to always collaborate with other local businesses. As such, Coppers deals with over 60 local companies including bakeries, restaurants and of course, breweries.
"I’m very lucky, I’ve got amazing people around us, work with amazing businesses and just have fantastic people all around,” exclaimed Andrew, "It’s amazing to be able to help the community around you, as much as they help you by coming inside."
In addition to being one gem of a bar, Hop Secret also offers food and is trialling new items regularly. A current collaborator is Chef Matei Baram of Posh Street Food.
