A speciality coffee shop in Gillingham has achieved remarkable success, securing four awards within three months of opening, including Best Café in North Dorset and Best Business in the Town. TheKaffee, which opened its doors in September 2024, occupies a former bank building in the Dorset market town of 7,000 residents.
The business was founded by Toni Wiesner and his mother, Ewelina, with Toni’s father, Steffan, providing the construction expertise. After deciding to proceed, the family began renovating the long-vacant building within 48 hours, and Steffan went on to complete nearly all interior work himself – from cladding and the coffee bar to bespoke tables and furnishings.
Toni leads on creativity and coffee expertise, Ewelina oversees financial and operational responsibilities, while Steffan’s craftsmanship has created the warm and distinctive setting that consistently impresses customers in online 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.”
TheKaffee’s inclusive space includes a play area for children, dog water bowls, and strong WiFi with easy access to power sockets, making it a favourite for families and remote workers alike. One loyal customer now travels 11 miles specifically for their coffee.
TheKaffee’s coffee focus is rooted in high-quality beans sourced from leading coffee regions and roasted to highlight the unique flavour profile of each origin. The café partners with Girls Who Grind Coffee, a respected local roastery, to provide single-origin beans roasted within seven days for maximum freshness. Staff track shot weights and extraction times throughout the day and offer a selection of brewing methods alongside traditional espresso drinks. The business served an estimated 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, only three months after launch, TheKaffee was awarded Best Café in North Dorset, Best Business in Gillingham, and Best Restaurant. In December 2025, it also won Best Christmas Window display.
Google reviews consistently praise the café’s atmosphere and food quality. One reads: “So nice to go somewhere local and chill with coffee and the best carrot cake. Beautiful interior.” Another customer wrote: “The expansion to a couple of nights serving cocktails is a great addition to the business and the town.”
The café secured an alcohol licence in August 2025 and began offering cocktails on Friday evenings, with the Passion Fruit Martini quickly becoming a bestseller. The menu has expanded to include artisan sandwiches and freshly made cakes, with the Basque cheesecake proving particularly popular – many customers now purchase half a cake at a time.
The venue also offers private hire for community groups, businesses, and schools, with plans to introduce monthly bingo sessions and live jazz events.
TheKaffee is located at 11 High Street, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4PY.
