Jo and Chris Hedger who used to run the village post office opened their doors earlier this week on the 26th October as Oh So’s – a new café / coffee shop. Since closing the post office, Jo has been picking colours and shopping for items for Chris to paint, wire in and screw into position to create a new vibrant business and the result is a very welcoming and bright shop which they are branding as “Not just a coffee shop”
While running the post office people used to come, meet each other, chat and the post office was a bit of a social hub for many people. When it became clear the post office was closing Jo and Chris had so much support for their future business plans that a new community hub was the only answer for them. Chris said today that “We are really grateful to the customers who gave us so much support when it was announced the post office was moving into the Spar, and the enthusiasm for our new venture is phenomenal”. As to the post office, “We have no regrets whatsoever on the change. This gives us more time to spend with people and we are thoroughly enjoying it! We want to put a bit of life back into the village.”
Currently they sell hot, cold and iced drinks, ice creams and from next week paninis and toasted sandwiches. They are keen not to compete with Nicos, and are confident there is a new market to tap into. Over the coming weeks they will be adding card and gift sales into the offering. While taking photos and making notes today, the EHDC food safety officer was carrying out an audit and Chris was handed a copy of the certificate. With a (well earned) beaming smile Chris proudly showed off their new 5 star rating, the highest score available.
The Café is open Monday to Friday 8:45 to 4:15 and Saturdays 9:30 to 4:15. They will be open before and after the Remembrance day service on the 8th November (and making a donation to the Royal British Legion from some of the takings) so please do stop in and support them too. They plan longer opening hours in the summer, and some outdoor seating.
Please do stop in and support this new business – as well as the others in Horndean. Jo and Chris worked hard running the old post office and hopefully we can support them in this new venture.
horndeanmatters 
The atmosphere the other day was amazing as were the cakes. As a lover of both coffee and cakes and living very close to Oh So’s methinks I might have a diet problem
They are a lovely couple, and we’ll be sampling coffee and cakes asap! We wish them all the very best!! 🙂
A friend and I go ‘Cake-ing’ once a month a gave Oh So a go and will definitely be going back. The cakes were absolutely divine and the atmosphere was really congenial. Keep up the good work Chris and Jo. It was a delight dealing with you at the Post Office and your friendly service continues in your wonderful new venture.
Have been twice since it opened. As a resident of Horndean I used the Post Office frequently and will be visiting Oh so regularly. Good Luck with your new venture
What a fabulous cafe, a real sense of nostalgia and a great atmosphere. Lovely cupola and bone china… And free wifi to boot. A really great addition to Horndean…!
Lovely atmosphere, very friendly. Cappuccinos recommended. Looking forward to next visit!
Do they have a phone number?
Hi Gemma, I can’t find one online but why not visit them and drop in? Guy