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A Kitchen Makeover With Jill Scott

This kitchen makeover with Jill Scott and her partner Shelly details how they made a multifunctional space that locals love. Jill is an England football legend who was part of the team that triumphed at the Women’s Euros in 2022. While she’s best-known as a footballer, TV star, and pundit, her new passion project is her cafe, Boxx2Boxx. After relocating to larger premises, Jill worked with Howdens on bringing this kitchen makeover to life. Together, they created a space that’s at the heart of the community, including a fitted kitchen that means she can serve delicious food and drinks to her customers.

About Boxx2Boxx Coffee

Jill and Shelly had big plans for their new premises in Northenden, Manchester. They wanted their new location to be a place for local people to share – whether meeting for coffee or enjoying live entertainment.

Design goals

Jill and Shelly's vision

Boxx2Boxx is a community hub as well as a coffee shop, so Jill and Shelly wanted their new location to be multifunctional. They needed a design with plenty of storage, that stood out from the crowd.
The final look

A counter that doubles up as a bar for evening events makes this space much more than just a cafe. In the back, there’s plenty of storage, without compromising on functionality.

Shelly

"Howdens always go that extra mile. There was no one else who was going to help us achieve our dream shop."

Up Front

Front of house

The curved counter catches the eye and provides ample space for serving drinks and snacks. After dark, it transforms into a bar, taking the cafe from day to night.

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Setting the stage

The stage area offers a spot for live performances. This means the coffee shop can adapt to whatever the local community has planned.

Charcoal cabinetry

Jill and Shelly's designer recommended a charcoal tone for the cupboards. This bold look matches the walls and hides marks and stains during busy periods.

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Timber panels

Acoustic wooden panelling brings character, continuing the sleek style. It turns the counter into an eye-catching centrepiece for the room.

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Stand-out surface

They chose a durable, quartz worktop with a marble design. This introduces a touch of luxury that makes a good first impression when greeting customers.

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Tile style

Hardwearing, water-resistant, and quicker to clean than natural stone tiles – Oake and Gray vinyl flooring is a must for high-traffic areas like a busy coffee shop.

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Jill

"We love the counter because it’s the first thing the customer sees. It sets the tone - professional but friendly."

At The Back

Neutral notes

In the back kitchen, Greenwich units were chosen in a sandstone hue. This creates a bright feel, and continues the understated style from front-of-house.

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Top tech

Packed with innovative features, Lamona appliances offers the latest tech for less, making them an excellent choice for those on a budget.

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Go pro

A pull-out tap is a staple in professional kitchens. The flexible spout makes rinsing dishes easy, saving time when the café is packed with punters.

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Winning WC

The modern aesthetic continues in the washroom. The bright, neutral hue helps to make a small room feel more spacious.

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