Swindon Town Goalkeeper to Launch Family-Friendly Coffee Shop, Mini Dunes, in Preston
A new “child-friendly” coffee shop is set to open in Preston, Lancashire, spearheaded by professional footballer and Swindon Town goalkeeper, Connor Ripley, in partnership with a friend named Sam. The venture, dubbed Mini Dunes, is currently undergoing renovations at a location on Lancaster Road and is anticipated to offer a relaxed environment for parents and a dedicated play area for children.
https://twitter.com/ripley_connor/status/1780009999999999999
From Football Field to Coffee Bean: Ripley’s New Venture
Ripley announced the upcoming opening on his social media channels on June 12, 2025, requesting support from his followers through likes and shares. He explained that sharing details about business ventures is outside his usual social media activity, but expressed enthusiasm for the project. “This isn’t something I normally post about, but if people could like and share it on here and Instagram I would really appreciate it!” he stated. “Me and Sam are opening up our coffee shop MINI DUNES soon and would love anyone and everyone to come and enjoy it!!”
Swindon Town’s official social media account quickly responded with a message of support, stating they “can’t wait to see the finished result.” This demonstrates the positive relationship Ripley maintains with the club, which has provided him with accommodation during his time there. He recently shared with BBC Sport Lancashire that Swindon has been “incredible” to him.
A Second Chance for a Prime Location
The location for Mini Dunes, situated on Lancaster Road next to the Lancaster Gate pub, has seen previous attempts at redevelopment. According to reporting from Blog Preston, the unit was formerly occupied by TSB bank. Last year, board game café chain The Dice Box had announced plans to open at the same address, but those plans ultimately did not materialize. Work is now fully underway to transform the space into the envisioned family-focused coffee shop.
Designed for Relaxation and Play
Mini Dunes is specifically “designed so parents can relax and kids can play,” offering a unique proposition within the Preston community. The concept aims to fill a gap in the market for establishments catering to both parental needs and children’s entertainment. The opening date for Mini Dunes has not yet been announced, but anticipation is building as the renovations progress.
