A Radley entrepreneur has transformed a horsebox into an independent coffee shop, serving speciality coffee, matcha and homemade cakes beside one of Oxfordshire’s best-loved wildlife areas.
At a glance
| Business | Cuppa Coffee Club |
| Where | Radley Lakes, between Abingdon and Radley |
| Opened | 1 August 2026 |
| Opening hours | Saturday and Sunday, 8.30am to 3pm |
| What it serves | Speciality coffee, matcha and homemade bakes |
| Popular bakes | Cookies and banana bread |
| Best for | Walkers, runners, cyclists, dog walkers and weekend catch-ups |
| Updates | Follow Cuppa Coffee Club on Instagram |
A former technology start-up worker has taken a leap into hospitality by opening a speciality coffee trailer at Radley Lakes.
Liv, a Radley resident and founder of Cuppa Coffee Club, bought a horsebox earlier this year and spent several months converting it into a compact independent coffee shop.
The trailer opened at the beginning of August and now serves visitors every Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am until 3pm.
Its menu includes speciality coffee, matcha and a changing selection of homemade bakes, with cookies and banana bread emerging as early favourites.
From tech start-ups to a converted horsebox
The business marks a significant change of direction for its founder.
After several years working in technology start-ups, Liv decided she wanted to build something of her own that felt more closely connected to the place where she lives.
She bought the horsebox, developed the Cuppa Coffee Club identity and worked through the practical process of turning the trailer into a functioning coffee shop.
Liv said: “I bought a horsebox, turned it into a coffee shop and spent the last few months building Cuppa from scratch.”
The opening has required her to move from an idea on paper to sourcing equipment, testing drinks, baking, preparing the trailer and serving customers face to face.
She added: “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind getting from an idea to actually opening the hatch, but it’s been lovely seeing local people discover Cuppa over the last few weekends.”
A coffee stop designed around the local community
The location has been chosen to make the trailer part of an existing weekend routine for local residents rather than a destination that sits apart from its surroundings.
Radley Lakes attracts walkers, runners, cyclists, families, wildlife watchers and people taking dogs around the paths near Thrupp Lake.
Liv said: “I really wanted to create something that felt part of the local community, somewhere people could grab a great coffee while walking the lakes, meet a friend, stop on a dog walk or simply enjoy the area.”
The trailer’s morning opening also means visitors can pick up a drink before setting off around the lake, while the 3pm closing time provides an option for people finishing an afternoon walk.
Cuppa currently serves coffee supplied by Oxford-based Jericho Coffee Traders, adding another local connection to the new business.
What is on the menu?
The menu is intentionally focused rather than trying to recreate a full café kitchen inside the horsebox.
Speciality coffee sits at the centre of the offer, alongside matcha and homemade cakes and biscuits.
| Menu area | What visitors can expect |
|---|---|
| Coffee | Speciality coffee made using beans supplied by Jericho Coffee Traders |
| Matcha | Matcha-based drinks, including options with homemade flavoured syrups when available |
| Homemade bakes | A changing selection prepared by Cuppa Coffee Club |
| Current favourites | Cookies and banana bread |
As the menu can change from one weekend to the next, visitors looking for a particular drink or bake should check Cuppa Coffee Club’s social media before travelling.
Anyone with a food allergy or intolerance should speak to Liv directly about ingredients and preparation before ordering.
Why Radley Lakes attracts weekend visitors
Radley Lakes is an area of former gravel workings close to the River Thames, between Abingdon and Radley.
Three principal lakes remain today: Thrupp Lake, Bullfield Lake and Orchard Lake. The wider landscape has regenerated into a mixture of open water, wet woodland, grassland, reedbed and scrub.
Almost all of the area is designated as a Local Wildlife Site, with its varied habitats supporting birds, insects, plants and mammals.
Earth Trust manages Thrupp Lake and some of the surrounding conservation land. It describes the site as a wetland reserve where visitors may see herons, kingfishers, swans, dragonflies and, with some luck and patience, otters.
A circular walk of around one mile follows the lake, including a wooden boardwalk across part of the water.
Public rights of way and permissive paths also connect the lakes with Radley, Abingdon and the Thames Path. National Cycle Network Route 5 passes through the wider area, although cycling is not permitted on the pedestrian route around the lake itself.
Planning a visit
Where to find Cuppa Coffee Club
| Location | Radley Lakes, close to Thrupp Lake and the visitor car park |
| Opening days | Saturday and Sunday |
| Opening hours | 8.30am to 3pm |
| Parking | A small visitor car park is available at Thrupp Lake |
| Walking route | The circular route around Thrupp Lake is approximately one mile |
| Cycling | National Cycle Network Route 5 passes through the wider Radley Lakes area; cycles should not be taken around the pedestrian lake trail |
| Dogs | Dogs are welcome at Thrupp Lake but must be kept on leads |
| Public toilets | There are no public toilets at Thrupp Lake |
| Visitor map | Use the Radley Lakes Trust access and walking guide |
The lakes are always open, but Cuppa Coffee Club operates only during its advertised weekend hours.
The visitor car park is relatively small, so walking or cycling may be more practical during busy periods. Drivers should park considerately and avoid blocking access along Thrupp Lane.
Visitors should also remember that the lakes are a wildlife site rather than a formal visitor attraction with extensive facilities.
Help protect the lakes during your visit
Radley Lakes Trust asks visitors to remain on marked paths, take litter home and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Dogs should be kept on leads and owners should remove any waste. Barbecues, fires and camping are not permitted.
Swimming and paddleboarding are also prohibited at Thrupp Lake because it is an important wildlife habitat.
Earth Trust warns that blue-green algae may be present during warmer weather. The algae can be harmful to people and potentially fatal to dogs, so visitors and pets should stay out of the water.
Visiting Radley Lakes responsibly
Take rubbish home: Do not leave cups, food packaging or dog-waste bags beside the lake or car park.
Keep dogs on leads: This protects ground-nesting birds, other wildlife and fellow visitors.
Stay on marked routes: Some land within the wider lakes area is private and has no public right of access.
Do not enter the water: Swimming and paddleboarding are not permitted, and blue-green algae may be present.
Leave the car where possible: The car park is small, while walking and cycling links connect the lakes with Abingdon and Radley.
An independent addition to the Radley Lakes routine
Cuppa Coffee Club is still in its earliest weeks, but its location gives it a clear role within the local community.
Rather than opening on a conventional shopping street, the business has placed itself beside a route already used for exercise, dog walking, wildlife watching and quiet time outdoors.
For Liv, seeing people discover the trailer and return with friends has begun to turn several months of planning into the community-focused business she hoped to create.
Cuppa Coffee Club is open at Radley Lakes every Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am to 3pm. Weekend menu updates and any weather-related changes are published through @thecuppacoffeeclub on Instagram.
FAQs
When is Cuppa Coffee Club open?
The trailer is currently open every Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am to 3pm.
Where is Cuppa Coffee Club?
It is based at Radley Lakes, close to Thrupp Lake and the visitor car park between Abingdon and Radley.
What does it serve?
The menu includes speciality coffee, matcha and homemade bakes. Cookies and banana bread have been among the most popular items since opening.
Is there parking?
Yes. Earth Trust lists an on-site car park at Thrupp Lake, although spaces are limited.
Can visitors bring dogs?
Yes, but dogs must be kept on leads around Thrupp Lake and owners should take all waste away with them.
Are there toilets at Radley Lakes?
No. Earth Trust says there are no public toilets at Thrupp Lake.
Can visitors swim in the lake?
No. Swimming and paddleboarding are not permitted. Blue-green algae may also be present during warm weather and can pose a serious health risk.
Where can people check weekend updates?
Opening information and menu updates are published through Cuppa Coffee Club’s Instagram page.
