A COUPLE who set up their own vintage coffee van have found a new base at a recreation ground in Winchester.

Kiana Tolooe and partner Daryll Jeff launched Kiki T’s Vintage Coffee Van six months ago, catering at events in Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex.

Now, the striking yellow 1976 Citroen HY, nicknamed Betty Bumble after Kiana’s nan, has a regular home within North Walls Recreation Ground.

The couple, who met travelling in Australia and now live in Liphook, were approached by Winchester City Council to move into the space as a trial to see whether there is demand for a café ahead of the River Park development.

Hampshire Chronicle:

READ MORE: Coffee pod fills community gap in Colden Common

Full-time firefighter Darryl, 31, said: “We’re essentially a guinea pig to see if a café would fit in here. We haven’t been blown out of the water with visitors yet as lots of people don’t know we’re here but the reception has been super warm.

“We’d love to be here all the time permanently if we get enough people coming. It’s been tough with rising costs but people tend to find the money for coffee and cake as it’s a small treat and we get people stopping on their way to work.”

Hampshire Chronicle:

Kiana, 29, who continues to juggle other jobs alongside the coffee van, said: “People have said it’s the one thing this park needed. On our first day everyone was so happy to see us and were taking photos.

“We’re pretty happy with how the business is going so far, it’s definitely building and people are approaching us for event bookings more.”

Daryll added: “We bought the van as we wanted to start our own business and be in charge of our own fate. We love the coffee, cake, and socialising outside vibe that was commonplace in Australia.

“We love the social aspect of the business and just being outside really. The more nature based and rural we can be, the better so we love the ducks and swans at the park.

SEE ALSO: Winchester cafe sees £10,000 decrease amid closure of Garnier Road

“It’s a fantastic meeting place for all to come and relax, grab a coffee and a bit of cake, and meet with friends and family.”

Hampshire Chronicle:

The vintage Citroen is fully operational, with the pair driving her to events such as weddings, parties, fayres, fireworks nights, Christmas tree farms, markets and now the recreation ground.

Kiana hopes to make the coffee van her full-time job, with the couple having ambitions to find a permanent home and potentially opening more vans in the future.

The trained baristas source their medium roast coffee from Roasted in West Sussex and use a fairtrade Blue Mountain Blend.

Kiki T’s has varying open hours but is usually open 7.30am-4pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 8.30am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday. For more information go to thevintagecoffeevan.com/.