These baristas are expanding their fast-growing lockdown business across Bollington and Macclesfield.

Mika Johnson (35) and Dan Hardman (37) always wanted to start their own business - but only found the time to start their coffee company Yas Bean during the coronavirus pandemic.

The pair from Macclesfield have served coffee from Tytherington Family Worship Church carpark since the second lockdown in November, but have now established a bigger and busier pitch at The Vale Inn in Bollington.

People at the Adlington Road pub can purchase Yas Bean's quality coffee to drink in, or takeaway in the pub's new beer garden from April 20.

"We are really excited and hope the people in Bolly are excited to have us here," said Mika.

"We love being part of the community. We use local suppliers, like Kickback Coffee in Pott Shrigley.

"I only had the idea to start as a business as I kept visiting Alex from Kickback Coffee in lockdown as it was the only place that did oat milk coffee.

"This whole business has been a combination of hard work and happy accidents." 

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The Macc couple of eight years, unfortunately had their hospitality jobs heavily impacted by the pandemic, but they saw it as an opportunity to pursue their dream.

However, former pub manager Mika used his connections and industry expertise to secure a coveted slot in the new-look The Vale Inn beer garden.

Former front-of-house man Dan started a cake business @danhardmanbakes in July, and his husband Mika was then inspired to start the high-flying coffee business, which uses his cakes just four months after.

Their affordable menu of hot drinks along with bakes, includes a best-seller honeycomb tiffin and various vegan bakes.

In addition to their new presence in Bollington, their coffee and tea has been so successful that they plan to open a store in Macclesfield town centre later in 2021.

"We recently just went for a run and always noticed this building on Buxton Road a few times and always thought what a great location this could be for a coffee shop. We are so excited to move in later this year," added Mika.

Mika's husband and baker Dan said: "A lot of our customers are willing to travel to see us wherever we are, everyone has been so supportive since the get-go, which has been really really lovely. We are so thankful for their support."

"We had only two days off since we started the business in November. But it has given us so much confidence. 

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"When it is your own baby you don't mind working so hard." 

Yas Bean's opening hours for their new The Vale Inn pitch is 10am-4pm daily.

They have almost 2,000 followers on Instagram @yasssbean.

Yas Bean's website can be found here.