HUNTER GATHERER: A WELCOME ADDITION TO SOUTHSEA

Hunter Gatherer isn’t your usual coffee shop name, but as soon as you walk in to this Southsea start-up, you realise that Hunter Gatherer is no usual coffee shop. Perhaps that is inevitable given its owners Brian and Dani’s background. The couple met in Medillin, Colombia, Pablo Escobar an infamous local figure. Brian had moved from Paris, Dani, who hails from Colombia, had moved from Miami. Both had been approached to work with a Dutch footwear company. With shared interest such as art and music the pair quickly hit it off. Engagement followed with Brian proposing whilst out in the middle of the night somewhere in the French Alps. And now, having settled in sunny Southsea and with baby Hunter having arrived, so too does Hunter Gatherer, part specialty coffee shop hangout, part boutique.

I caught up with Brian and Dani to see what we can expect.

…With shared interest such as art and music the pair quickly hit it off.

…we want to create a space that inspires but also encourages interactions and shared experiences.

You’ve discovered a huge and unique space! What have you got planned for it all? You can expect something a bit different from what currently exists. It started with Specialty Coffee and grew into a lifestyle boutique and a healthy kitchen. In the near future we are hoping to start film screening nights, open up a space for business and large meetings and a few other bits we are keeping secret just for now. We want to create a space that inspires but also encourages interactions and shared experiences. Whether that be a meeting between friends, a community project, an art exhibition or a yoga class. Oh did we mention we have a family/buggy friendly space in the rear.

What can we expect to find on the menu? We like to think of ourselves as a vegetarian restaurant that serves bacon. We are aiming at 70% healthy and 30% naughty. Think free-rage poached eggs with a side of avocado on Bread Addiction sourdough, followed by the most decadent blondie you will ever taste.

Dani, your boutique is already stocked with really intriguing pieces. What’s your inspiration and what can visitors expect to find? Most of the independent designers that I stock were either already known to me because of social media, as friends or because they are actually what I really love myself. Fun, modern and kick-ass creativity is what binds all the designers that I found.

…Fun, modern and kick-ass creativity is what binds all the designers that I found.

…We are a small team that shares a passion for great food, decent coffee & local and sustainable business.

If you only had 5 words, how would you sum up the vibe at Hunter Gatherer? Friendly, creative, healthy, quality, and soulful

Find Hunter Gatherer at 249 Albert Road, Southsea

Hunter Gatherer Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm Tuesday – Saturday, 9am – 4pm Sunday, Closed Monday’s

If you would like to find out more check out Hunter Gatherer on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Written by: Luke Newton
Photography by: Paul Gonella

Founder of SWEAT Southsea Luke Newton is available for personal training and the SWEAT gym is dedicated to personal training meaning no crowds, intimidation or extra fees. SWEAT opened eighteen months ago and has now firmly established itself. Other trainers forming the talented team include double Olympian Katy Sexton MBE and Team GB boxing coach ‘Q’ Shillingford MBE! You can find SWEAT on Haslemere Road. If you would like to know more, then head over to www.sweat.fitness where you can also find their list of pay as you go classes. Classes are open to all with no membership required. The timetable includes Barre, Pilates, Yoga, HIIT, Kettlebells and Circuits. Physiotherapy and sports massage therapy services are also available.

SWEAT Southsea can be found on Facebook, Twitter @SweatSouthsea and Instagram @sweat_southsea.