It’s the end of an era and the start of a new one as Huddersfield icon Merrie England has new owners – and could be set for expansion.

The traditional coffee shop business, which has three cafes in Huddersfield town centre, has been acquired by businessman Gary Conway and fellow local investors Adam Sayers, Ian Coumont and Anne Coumont.

Merrie England, which has a drive-thru in New Hey Road, Oakes, and two more shops in Brighouse and Halifax, was run by the Hanselman family for over five decades.

Loved for its ‘olde worlde’ charm and its no-nonsense favourites such as hot beef sandwiches, toasted teacakes, egg custard and its apple pie with melt-in-the-mouth pastry, the chain has remained a popular and well-loved icon of the local high street.

Generations of Huddersfield people have grown up with Merrie England and Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, born in Huddersfield and raised in Marsden, famously wrote a poem addressed to the “women of the Merrie England coffee shops” celebrating the quirky decor and the staff in their “scarlet aprons.”

 

After half-a-century, the Hanselman family have decided to hand over the business to new owners to secure its long-term future and move it forward.

Mr Conway, who has much experience in the food and beverage industry, said: “We recognised what a great brand and offering Merrie England has within the local community.

“The Hanselman family have done a fantastic job in building a reputable brand that is recognised locally for its strong food, coffee and service. We are excited to be the new custodians of Merrie England and to take it from strength to strength.”

Mr Conway wants to grow the brand further and to increase its offering beyond its traditional heartland so that new customers can also enjoy the Merrie England experience.

 

From L-R: Ian Coumont, Anne Coumont, Poonam Kaur (fds), Gina Hanselman, Gary Conway and Adam Sayers

 

In a statement the Hanselman family said the move represented a “big change” for the family and added: “We are incredibly proud as a family of the business built to date and the great team working in the business, both past and present.

“We are excited to see what Gary and the team will further accomplish with Merrie England and have full confidence in them.”

Poonam Kaur, CEO of fds Director Services, an award-winning corporate finance boutique based in Wakefield, led the deal, acting on behalf of the Hanselman family.

Ms Kaur said: “This acquisition marks a new chapter in the Merrie England story. The company has become an integral part of the Huddersfield, Brighouse and Halifax communities, and it was crucial to preserve what has been established.

“I am confident that with Gary’s investment and a new management team, the brand will broaden its presence and product range while remaining faithful to the traditions that have contributed to Merrie England’s long-standing success.”