About The Village Store

Located in the heart of the Warwickshire village of Bishop’s Itchington, the shop that is now known as The Village Store occupies premises which for decades served as the local newsagent. Towards the end of 2021, Orlaith Horsman and Bee White acquired the property and newspaper business of the site and embarked on a full renovation and conversion, determined to transform it from a traditional newsagent into a modern village hub. 

Drawing on their vision of creating a warm and friendly meeting place for the local community, they re-imagined the store to include a deli, café and gift-shop section, while retaining core newsagent services like daily paper deliveries. 

'They emphasised sourcing local suppliers for bread, cakes, preserves, craft beer and spirits, thereby strengthening village ties and supporting the regional economy.'

                                                                                                               Stratford Herald

'The Village Store has become more than just a shop-counter: it hosts community-friendly events such as bistro nights, live music, workshops (water-colour, pottery craft etc), and seasonal family activities like Halloween trails and kids crafts.' 

                                                                                                              Stratford Herald

'In 2024, 3 years after its launch, the store was awarded both “Best New Business” and “Business of the Year” at the local Stratford Herald Business & Tourism Awards.'

                                                                                                              Stratford Herald

'Orlaith and Bee’s vision was to create a place that complements, not competes with, the village’s existing amenities (such as the pub, social club and co-op), by offering a distinct mix of café, deli and community space.' 

                                                                                                               Stratford Herald

Today the store stands as a testament to how a local enterprise can evolve to meet modern needs while remaining rooted in community values, and the two co-owners continue to oversee its growth and role as a friendly focal point of village life.