Wistmans is an independent Coffee Shop owned and operated by Wil Stevens and Dawn Standley. Wil and Dawn could not be from backgrounds that are more different. Dawn has served in the military, a role that has taken her all over the world, including tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. After leaving the military after almost 10 years’ service, Dawn worked in a pub, in a bank and most recently for the local council, until off course, she met Wil! Wil followed quite a different career path. Wil studied BA Modelmaking at the local Arts University before progressing onto a variety of different roles in varying creative fields, including Architectural Modelmaking and manufacture of silicone Health Care Products. Needless to say, these were neither Dawn nor Wil’s calling. In 2013, Wil launched an online Art business on the side of full time jobs, (formerly Amerge Collective, now Wistmans Art). The art collective held a successful exhibition in London and sold prints from up and coming artists, however never really showed the commercial success to make it a long-term venture. A move to a high street location was his dream. Dawn on the other hand, always had the dream of owning a Coffee shop. After many discussions and the realisation that life is too short, Wistmans was born!
Wistmans is an Art Café situated in the bustling Winton high street, a stone’s throw from Bournemouth University and the Arts University. Wistmans is a 1920’s themed Café serving freshly baked cakes and tray bakes along with sandwiches and light bites. The walls feature artwork from emerging artists, all for sale at reasonable prices. Wistmans are extremely passionate about what they do, the Coffee is freshly roasted and ground on site and the cakes are fresh and made by hand coupled with personal table service Wistmans should see you coming back. The cafe is open 6 days a week (closed Mondays), make sure you pop in!