‘I tried a latte at Jill Scott’s cosy coffee shop – it was as sweet as she is’

Jill Scott has stolen our hearts thanks to her incredible sporting feats and winning I’m A Celebrity. Mirror writer Danielle Wroe chatted to staff and punters in her coffee shop to find out just how hard she works when making a cup of Joe

Walking along the high street in Northenden, a suburb of Manchester, you wouldn’t expect to find a coffee shop owned by the former women’s England captain and reigning Queen of the Jungle. Yet this unassuming café has been around since April 2021, and Jill Scott runs it with her fiancée Shelley Unitt.

It’s hiding in plain sight, but once you step inside Boxx2Boxx – named after Jill’s infamous role as a box-to-box midfielder throughout her illustrious career for club and country – it’s a little slice of tranquil haven. The décor is predominantly wooden and rather minimalist with hints of greenery. It’s not the biggest coffee shop I’ve been to – but I felt at ease immediately.

There aren’t any airs and graces here, it’s as far from pretentious as you could get – which is surprising considering it’s owned by such a iconic footballer whose inspired thousands of little girls across the country to kick a ball about.

After watching Jill Scott get crowned the Queen of the Jungle on I’m A Celebrity, I just knew I had to go and have a nosy at the shop she owns – and works hard in, according to the staff.

When I arrived, it was already really busy and I was lucky to get a seat. Soaking up the relaxed and cosy atmosphere, I ordered a coconut milk latte, and couldn’t resist a chocolate orange brownie – it’d be rude not to.

They also offer full meals too, like toasties, paninis, and breakfast items like croissants and porridge – which is great.

Speaking to customers, it was clear that they’re ‘thrilled’ and ‘so proud’ that Jill Scott won I’m A Celebrity. She was described as ‘salt of the earth’ and ‘genuine’ – you can’t get much higher praise than that.

One customer even said that she didn’t do anything on Sunday so she could avidly watch the final, rooting for Jill all the way.

There’s even a little mural of Jill at the front of the shop, and a ‘wall of fame’ with lots of photos and lovely memories on it.

I spoke to Lois, who manages the independent coffee shop, to ask her the question on everyone’s lips – is Jill Scott as nice in real life as she comes across on TV? Because she certainly stole hearts on I’m A Celeb, but I needed to know whether she’s just as lovely in person.

Lois put my mind at ease, as she explained: “Whenever she’s free and not doing things she’s in. She’s obviously really busy at the moment, but she’ll be back.

“She is genuinely so lovely. She’s been described as the salt of the earth and that’s the best way to describe her, she’s ace.

“She’s exactly how she comes across on the telly – chilled, genuine, and encouraging.”

There’s a steady flow of people churning through the café with barely a minute where someone’s not queuing to be served – everyone is really friendly and chatty. It’s feels as though Jill’s warm personality runs through the fabric of the small shop.

Lois told me that the café enjoys plenty of regulars thanks to the welcoming atmosphere. It’s clear Jill Scott has been mindful of hiring kind, genuine people who care about the experience they’re giving to their customers.

As I sat and watched the world go by, I tried my coconut latte and was so impressed. It was delicious – sweet enough without sugar and just yummy. I’m by no means a coffee snob, but I know good coffee when I try it. And the brownie was delightful – amazingly sweet, I had to take it away to enjoy it in little increments throughout the day.

Opposite me, there was also a stand of merchandise for any die-hard Boxx2Boxx or Jill Scott fans, with prices ranging from a tenner to £30.

When asked her how she felt about Jill winning I’m A Celeb, Lois gushed: “I’m buzzing. Just happy for her more than anything. She deserves it so much.”

She also confirmed that Jill is no stranger to hard work in the coffee shop, saying: “If she’s around, she’s putting her shift in”.

The manager said it’s really rare that somebody famous would be so invested in their business, but she’s not just the face of it, she gets stuck in as and when she can.

Complimenting the footballer even further, Lois added: “I couldn’t speak highly enough of her.”

While I’m sad I didn’t get a glimpse of the footballing legend herself, I can say for certain that her shop sells cracking coffee with a lovely atmosphere to boot.

Have you been to Jill Scott’s coffee shop? Let us know in the comments.