Rod Davies, the proud owner of Willi's Café on Clayton Road in Jesmond, is celebrating a remarkable milestone - 10 years of being part of a unique and vibrant community.
Over the past decade, Rod has seen Clayton Road flourish with a variety of specialist and bespoke shops and businesses, each contributing to the unique charm and appeal of this beloved street.
A Hub of Unique Businesses
Clayton Road is more than just a street; it’s a thriving hub of independent businesses that have found a home here. The support among business owners is unparalleled, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. From bespoke clothing to high end kitchens and fine wines to interior design every business offers something distinct.
George Musson, co-owner of Musson Brown Architects, has been a staple in the community. He and his wife chose Clayton Road for its vibrant atmosphere and strategic location. “Our practice thrives here because of the excellent community and the synergy among the different businesses,” says George. He believes that the bespoke nature of their work aligns perfectly with the street’s ethos of quality and individuality.
A longstanding fixture, Palmer Menswear, has seen generations of customers walk through its doors for specialist wedding and day wear while a few doors down, Ian Fairley clothes caters for the vintage and casual market.
Ian Davies of ID Hair has had his salon on Clayton Road since 1993. He has seen the street change from cafes and antique shops to the current mix of independent traders. “When I first came here, I was the youngest on the street and now I’m the oldest. I’ve worked hard to make the business work but moving here was a great decision.”
John Welsh, owner of The Wine Shop, is relatively new to Clayton Road, having been here for just over two and a half years. However, his shop has quickly become a favourite for wine enthusiasts. “We chose this location for its heart-ofJesmond feel. It’s a bespoke street with a traditional charm,” John explains. With a wine selection that has grown from 370 to over 500 wines, The Wine Shop caters to a discerning clientele.
John Ord, an interior designer runs Abercrombie Interior Design. “We’ve been here 12 years and the number of businesses that compliments ours is growing. Our visibility is high and the street itself is in a great part of Jesmond. We’re very happy here.”
Jeanette Groom has been on Clayton Road since 2013 with her business Groom & Co. As well as general clothing alterations they specialise in wedding dress and suit adjustments. “This is a destination street and people travel here for the wealth of speciality shops we have,” she said.
Award Winning Practice, Roseanna Grace Physiotherapy has been on Clayton Road for five years. “It is a lovely street, and it is lovely to be able to offer the people of the North East specialist pelvic health services so that we can both prevent and resolve any unwanted pelvic floor symptoms. We also love our coffee and cake fix on the Road – if you haven’t been, it is worth a visit!” said Roseanna.
Amanda Simmonds runs luxury bespoke Travel Agency Now Lets Travel which is next door to Willi’s. “We’ve been here eight years and we’re passionate about travel and Clayton Road is a fantastic place to be, many of our clients book a holiday then pop next door for a coffee or a meal.”
Rod Davies reflects on the journey, “We’ve built something special here. The community’s support has been incredible, and it’s been a pleasure to be a part of it.” His own journey in the food and beverage industry spans over 35 years, including ventures in Gosforth and the Quayside before finding his perfect spot-on Clayton Road.
And a perfect spot it is too using local ingredients and food cooked on the premises.
At the heart of Willi’s menu is the quintessential Full English Breakfast, a hearty platter that has become a favourite among the student population and visiting shoppers. Cooked to order to ensure maximum freshness, this classic dish includes sizzling sausages, crispy bacon, golden hash browns, baked beans, juicy tomatoes, mushrooms, and perfectly fried eggs. Uniquely, this all-day breakfast really is served all day, a hard-to-find timely delicacy in Jesmond. The use of locally sourced produce not only supports nearby farmers but also guarantees a flavour that is rich and authentic.
With success like that, Willi’s Café has grown its customer base and reputation in the 10 years that Rod has been the face behind the business.
As Willi’s Café and the other businesses on Clayton Road continue to thrive, there’s a shared sense of optimism for the future. The street is not just a place to shop or eat; it’s a community where independent businesses support each other, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for all who visit.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the unique charm of Clayton Road, now is the perfect time to explore. From bespoke clothing and fine wines to the cosy ambiance of Willi’s Café, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s to many more years of success and community spirit on Clayton Road!