A MINIATURE coffee house on wheels has pitched up in York to welcome visitors to the city.

Eric, a converted Aixam Mega Van, has opened for business following a testing time for its owners who lost their income when the nation was plunged into lockdown.

Clare and Matt Casey are hoping for a fresh start with Eric, selling vegan-friendly refreshments from Station Rise, with Clare’s home-made treats already tempting some to buy in bulk.

York Press:

As well as coffees, they sell Belgium hot chocolate, milkshakes and ‘freakshakes’ - a milkshake with cream, marshmallows, a doughnut, chocolate, sweets and sauce.

They also offer baby chinos, free ‘dogachinos’ to customers with canine friends and home-made cakes and bakes, including gluten-free options.

The husband and wife team from Holme on Spalding Moor have a sister coffee truck, Ethel, at Allerthorpe Woods on weekends after Clare pitched the idea to Forestry England.

They pay a ground rent and some of their takings supports work in the woods.

York Press:

Clare swapped her previous job working with horses to launch Caseys Coffee almost two years ago. “You get to an age with horses when you don’t want to be out at 6.30am in minus six degrees," she said.

Clare said they had traded in some wonderful locations until the pandemic struck.

"Because we lost all of our events last year we sat across the kitchen table asking what we were going to do. That was all our income gone,” said Clare. Matt, an accountant, was made redundant during lockdown.

Clare said they had received great support, with the Kings Arms in North Duffield allowing them to trade there without charge. They then clinched the York spot but held off opening until the reopening of retail.

“I am feeling positive and looking forward to the future. York being York, I know it will bounce back," she added.