Because the owners, Katie and Mark believe convenience is destroying our connection to each other and the world. Katie, Mark and the three mini Charters are opening the doors to Maggie’s Place on Friday
5th December at 12.30pm. You can come and get cosy in the Nest with a real-Ethiopian blend coffee, straight from the farm, and a special, locally-sourced chocolate-y treat at 24 High Street, formerly the much-loved Cloisters Thai Restaurant and Wine Bar.
Maggie’s Place is a nod to Katie’s late Nan, Margaret who passed in 2024. She was one of the best, she would give you every second of her time, was desperate to see the world but spent her life caring for her son, and still managed to love everybody and everything (especially chocolate and a good cuppa). The bond between grandmother and grand-daughter was so strong that Katie didn’t second guess naming 24 High Street after Margaret and building on the legacy of a woman who was loved so much. This is exactly why Katie and Mark have decided to make the cafe as warm and friendly as possible – just like how it was to be at Maggie’s house. Combining this with traditional brewing and using no machines, it’s a real blast to the past and a lesson in patience and prioritising calmness over convenience and speed.
You can expect to find Ethiopian-farmed coffee from James’ Gourmet Coffee’s in Ross on Wye, along with Assam tea and speciality-teas. Plus cold drinks from Bensons Family Juicers found in the Cotswolds, Berrington Water, naturally sourced from Hereford and a firm favourite – Coca Cola. Plus, a variety of delicious and creative chocolate options from christmas pudding to lavender and gin to cacao-dusted nuts – all sourced locally. In 2026, Katie and Mark are planning to expand the business with craft alcohol options, co-working, workshops, room hire and collaborations with other local businesses. The mission is to make Maggie’s a place that serves the community of Ross and beyond, but also tourists who explore the beautiful Forest of Dean, Wye Valley or venture over the border to wonderful Wales.
The entire sentiment with Maggie’s is to stay traditional, show how important connection and good coffee is over rushed, mass-manufactured food and drink. It’s about making sensible and sustainable choices that benefit people and the planet through being healthier, purposeful and values-led. “You have all of the time in the world. Especially to love… Whether that’s coffee, connection, coca-cola or chocolate.”
Come and meet Katie, Mark and the kids at the Ross-on-Wye Christmas Fayre on Sunday 30th December and pencil in your visit to Maggie’s Place when they officially open on Friday 5th December at 12.30pm. Don’t forget to bring your doggos as we are very much a dog-friendly and family-friendly place to be. In December, if you choose to shop locally on the Hidden High Street, you will receive 10% off your order (vouchers will be available in supporting shops). Give us a follow on Facebook or Instagram at Maggie’s Place Ross-on-Wye.
Katie and Mark have spent the last four years home-educating their children and living nomadically in a caravan travelling the UK. Our dream was to open a customer-facing space such as Maggie’s but it was a dream on hold until the kids were a little bit older. Now, it’s time to make that dream a reality and enjoy working in Maggie’s on the High Street for the next three years.
If you would like to follow up and get a personal interview with Katie and Mark please contact us on:
maggiesplace.rossonwye@gmail.com
07873 533264