Leighton Buzzard’s popular Espresso Head is changing hands.

And after 11 years of building a business that has ‘remained part of the fabric of Leighton Buzzard’, owner Matt Brown says he’s passing it to new hands with a ‘heavy heart as he relocates to the New Forest with his two young boys and “wonderful partner”.

Alice Dell’orco will be taking over the coffee shop, and says she’s excited for the future.

Alice used to run a bakery business and, while she still makes cakes for local businesses, has worked at The Winery in Leighton Buzzard for the past two years.

“After 11 incredible years, it’s with a very heavy heart that the time has come for me to pass Espresso Head into new hands,” Matt explained in a Facebook post announcing the changes.

“This hasn’t been an easy decision. Over the last decade, Espresso Head has become so much more than a coffee shop. It’s been a place where friendships have been made, conversations have been shared, children have been born and grown up before our eyes, and a real community has formed. Together we’ve weathered uncertain times, including Covid, and through it all this little shop has remained part of the fabric of Leighton Buzzard.

“When I first took on Espresso Head, I could never have imagined the journey it would take me on or the people I would meet along the way. It has shaped so much of my life, and I will always be incredibly grateful for that.

“And it felt right to find someone who can take it forward, build on everything that’s been created, and love it as much as I have.”

Alice says she plans to preserve everything that makes Espresso Head special while adding her own touch.

"I’m very excited and looking forward to taking over the business,” she told the LBO. “But I’ll be easing in and taking it slowly. I don’t plan to change too much but maybe just introduce my homemade cakes and lunchtime sandwiches to start with. I’ll be getting to know the business but continue to work at The Winery until the end of the year – and I’m just really looking forward to meeting everyone.”

Matt added: “Leaving Espresso Head is genuinely one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. I’ll miss the conversations across the bar, the familiar faces every morning, and being part of this wonderful community. But I leave knowing the shop has a bright future ahead.”

And he invited customers to drop in and say goodbye: “Our final day will be Saturday 1st August. The shop will then close briefly while Alice settles in and gives it a little refresh before reopening in September under her ownership.

“If Espresso Head has ever been part of your routine or your story, I’d love to see you one last time. I’ll be in the shop on Friday 31st July and Saturday 1st August, so please do pop in for a coffee, a chat, or simply to share a memory.”

> A previous version of this article incorrectly named barista Vicki as co-owner and partner of Matt Brown. We are happy to make this correction.