Ashley Holroyd - Coffee D'Ash

Business you represent:

Coffee D'Ash

How long have you worked/had a business in the Town Centre?

I've been working in the town centre since July 2023 and plan to stay in the town centre for the foreseeable future with our new shop.

Why did you get involved with Barrow BID?

BID has been doing incredible things in the town with events, funding and communication between businesses. I wanted to get involved because I believe with the right spokesperson for the cafe culture / coffee culture in Barrow, we can really see a revival of Barrow's food and drink social spaces that are needed in our town

Favourite BID event or project?

BID's Dino Day is always going to be the winner for me because there is always something for everyone, but especially the younger generations. As a kid, you grow up with memories of your hometown and you always remember the feelings and experiences it gave you. Dino Day will be one of those memories for a lot of children that they will talk about for years to come as it's just such a fun experience! Meeting dinosaurs? Who wouldn't remember that!

Tell us something most people wouldn't know about you?

I once accidentally met Tony Blair. Our local college was hosting some political talk and I heard there was someone famous inside the sports hall so I joined the crowd waiting to see who it was. Out walks Robin Gibb from the Beegees! I'd seen him on my Dad's cd's and on the tv and I was a little star struck. Some random guy in a white shirt and red tie was shaking peoples hands and I just thought he was thanking them for coming out to see Robin, so I asked him if he could bring him over to our side of the crowd as I wanted his autograph for my Dad. He laughed and said yes, then asked if I wanted his autograph too. I asked him who he was and he said "I'm Tony Blair" to which I replied with "Oh, no thanks, I've heard my Dad say he doesn't like you" and proceeded to shout Robin over as Tony Blair walked away laughing. That was my first encounter with a celeb (Robin Gibb, not Tony Blair).