DORSET, UK. December 11th, 2025 – A Gillingham speciality coffee shop has claimed four major awards within three months of opening, including Best Café in North Dorset and Best Business in the Town. TheKaffee, which launched in September 2024, occupies a former bank building in the Dorset market town of 7,000 residents.
Founded by Toni Wiesner and his mother Ewelina, with construction expertise provided by his father Steffan, the café transformed a building that had stood empty for several years. Within two days of deciding to open, the family began renovation work, with Steffan completing virtually all interior construction by hand – from the coffee bar and cladding to custom-built tables and furniture.
Toni brings creative vision and coffee expertise, Ewelina manages business operations and finances, whilst Steffan’s craftsmanship created the distinctive interior space that customers consistently praise in reviews.
Toni Wiesner, chief barista and creative director, said: “We’re creating a space where people feel they belong. When someone walks in, we don’t just smile and take their order – we’re genuinely interested in what they’re doing today, we remember their name, and we build real relationships. That’s what’s missing from the big chains, and that’s what our community deserves.”
The café’s inclusive design features a children’s play corner, water bowls for dogs, and excellent WiFi with power outlets that attract remote workers. One customer now travels 11 miles specifically for TheKaffee’s coffee.
TheKaffee’s approach centres on speciality coffee beans meticulously sourced from renowned coffee-growing regions and roasted to unlock the distinct characteristics of each origin. Partnering with Girls Who Grind Coffee, a local roastery celebrated for exceptional quality, the café sources single-origin beans roasted within seven days to ensure peak freshness. Staff weigh each shot and monitor extraction times throughout the day, offering alternative brewing methods alongside traditional espresso-based drinks. The business has served approximately 50,000 cups in its first year.
Ewelina Wiesner, business partner and investor, said: “We wanted to create a hub where the community comes first. This building was empty whilst our High Street was declining. Now we’ve created something people actively seek out and make part of their lives. It’s pure family teamwork – Toni’s creativity, Steffan’s building skills, and my business experience all came together.”
In December 2024, just three months after opening, TheKaffee won Best Café in North Dorset, Best Business in Gillingham, and Best Restaurant awards. Most recently, in December 2025, the café claimed the town’s Best Christmas Window display.
Google reviews praise the atmosphere and quality. One states: “So nice to go somewhere local and chill with coffee and the best carrot cake. Beautiful interior.” Another notes: “The expansion to a couple of nights serving cocktails is a great addition to the business and the town.”
In August 2025, TheKaffee obtained an alcohol licence and began serving cocktails on Friday evenings, with the Passion Fruit Martini proving most popular. The menu has expanded to include artisan sandwiches and home-cooked cakes, with the Basque cheesecake emerging as a standout favourite – customers regularly purchase an entire cake half at once.
The café has also begun offering private hire for business meetings, school events, and community gatherings, with plans for monthly bingo nights and live jazz evenings.
To experience TheKaffee, find it at 11 High Street, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4PY.
ENDS