At just 21 years old, Amerley Saville has turned her dream of running a coffee business into reality with Amerleys, a unique coffee shop operating from a converted horse box.
Nestled at the scenic Danebury Hill, Amerleys has quickly become a go-to spot for walkers, cyclists, and coffee lovers looking for a warm drink and a friendly chat.
A Dream in the Making
“I’ve always wanted to start my own business,” Amerley shares. “Since working in the coffee industry from the age of 17, it was a no-brainer to open my own coffee shop.” But finding a suitable building was a challenge, so she took a different approach. “Renting and finding a premises is so hard these days, so I started looking at horse box conversions. In September, I bought this horse box, fully converted and ready to go, and that’s when my dream really began.”
Finding the Perfect Spot
Securing a pitch was one of the biggest hurdles. “I had to go through a lot of rejection before finally getting a pitch at Danebury Hill,” she recalls. Fortunately, when she reached out to the council, she discovered they were already looking for a coffee business to trade from the area. “Luckily, I had no competition, so I got the pitch and started trading on the 18th of December.”
Danebury Hill was an obvious choice for Amerley. “I knew there was nothing nearby, and it’s such a beautiful walking place with amazing views—it was a no-brainer to see if the council would let me trade from there.”
What’s on the Menu?
At Amerleys, customers can enjoy a variety of hot and cold drinks along with pastries from Hoxton Bakery. One standout favourite is the luxury hot chocolate, which is also vegan-friendly. “I also sell oat and soy milk at no extra cost, because I want everyone to enjoy their drinks without worrying about extra charges,” Amberley explains.
She takes pride in using local suppliers, with Flat Cap Coffee beans roasted in Ludgershall. Looking ahead, she plans to introduce vegan and gluten-free cakes as well as milkshakes and smoothies in the spring.
Customer Reactions and Four-Legged Friends
Amerley loves seeing people’s reactions to her horse box coffee shop. “Customers are always shocked when they see inside because, from the sides, it just looks like a regular horse box!” she laughs.
And it’s not just the people who enjoy visiting Amerleys—dogs are frequent customers too. “I love seeing all the dogs who come by to grab their treats from me. They brighten my day just as much as the people do.”
Challenges and Rewards of Running a Business at 21
Running a business at such a young age comes with its challenges, especially through the winter months. “Because I run off a generator, I can’t have a heater inside, so I’ve had to get creative with keeping warm,” she explains. Cold nights have also posed a problem. “A couple of weeks ago, my machine’s pipes froze, meaning I couldn’t work. Now, I use radiators inside the horse box overnight and cover it with a thermal blanket.”
Despite the obstacles, Amerley finds the experience incredibly rewarding. “Being my own boss and making my own decisions is amazing. But what I love most is making customers happy—whether it’s giving them a hot drink after a cold walk or just having a chat about their day. It puts a smile on both of our faces.”
Looking to the Future
Amerley has big ambitions for Amerleys. “My end goal is to have my own coffee shop in a building one day,” she says. But for now, she’s focused on expanding what she offers at Danebury Hill. “I plan to add tables and chairs for customers to sit and enjoy their drinks, and I’ve also recently started an office delivery service on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.”
Where to Find Amerleys
Amerley posts her weekly opening times every Monday on social media, where she can be found under Amerleys on all platforms.
Her advice to other young entrepreneurs? “Just take the risk. If it pays off—amazing! And if it doesn’t, don’t give up until it does. I was worried about whether people would actually come to buy a coffee, but I told myself that if it didn’t work out, I’d try again. You never know until you go for it.”
If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by Amerleys for a great cup of coffee and a warm welcome—you might even meet some friendly four-legged regulars along the way!
(Photo Credit: Jamie Shoots Media)
