Architect, Alex Melhuish, is used to creating beautiful homes for his clients but he and wife Nikki have gone one step further.

They have created a "beautiful home" for everyone to come and enjoy and meet up with friends and make new friends.

Home Coffee & Studio in Lawton Road has received a warm welcome from Alsager residents and Alex couldn't be happier.

It's a dream come true for Alex who wanted to create a warm, welcoming place for people to meet.

He has designed the interior himself based on a Scandinavian-style and but kept some nice touches - hinting back to the building's former use.

And the coffee served in the business – Cornwall-based Origin Coffee – was sourced whilst Alex was on holiday there. 

A display cabinet (pictured below) houses some cute home accessories and other items while the counter was upcycled from its former use.

Alex, who used to work in Manchester's Northern Quarter, says he saw potential developing a business in the town.

"We used to live in Sale but wanted to be closer to family and have family here in Alsager.

"I saw real potential in the town and wanted to give something back. As an architect, the first thing you do is get to know what your clients want.

"This is what I do every day here – talk to people and make them feel welcome."

In time, Alex plans to run his practice, Home Studio Architects, from the premises – but for the time being he is busy building up the coffee business.

"We have moved here and love the town. It's a great place to live and work," said Alex.

"The plan was always to create a 'living room' type atmosphere where people could come and feel comfortable.

"In the long term, the plan is to be able to offer a free consultation over a coffee but for the time being I am concentrating on the coffee business side."

Alex and Nikki have two children, Finn, three-and-a-half and 18 month old Oskar.

Alex used to commute from Alsager to Manchester to work and is now enjoying working locally and running a business.

"We have been able to buy a bigger home here for the family and the schooling is great," he said.

"I see great potential in Alsager and want to be part of it. I want to be part of Alsager's story."

The premises was rewired and replumbed to open the new business and plans are already in the pipeline to extend the menu.

"Our brunch menu is in development. In the mean time we have a very popular selection of cakes a pastries, occasionally baked by ourselves," says Alex.

"We will be launching another menu and we also have plans to start some fun, creative events."

"My work is to see potential and I see great potential in Alsager. It has so much to offer as a town."