Kooky Nohmad, Local Independent, Opens Arrington Garden Café, Bringing New Life To The Historic Hardwicke Arms
Kooky Nohmad has officially opened its latest location, transforming an unused garden space at The Hardwicke Arms into a relaxed outdoor coffee destination for the local community, walkers, cyclists, families and visitors exploring the beautiful South Cambridgeshire countryside.
Following the success of its original Royston café, Kooky Arrington marks the next step in the brand’s journey, creating unique spaces where people can wander, roam and call their own.
The new garden café will initially operate as an outdoor concept Wednesday – Sunday 9:30-2pm, serving Kooky’s signature artisan coffee alongside fresh bakes, pastries, bagels, and grab & go favourites.
But the vision doesn’t stop there…
The launch forms phase one of a much bigger ambition, to breathe new life into this beautiful historic location and unlock the full potential of The Hardwicke Arms.
A New Chapter For Kooky
Co-Founder Josh Murphy explains:
“Kooky started six years ago with a simple idea. I was a Nohmad myself, moving from café to café looking for somewhere that had the right feeling. Somewhere you could grab amazing coffee, meet friends, work, relax and genuinely feel at home.
When we couldn’t quite find that place, we decided to create it.
Royston proved that people want more than just coffee, they want spaces with personality, warmth and community.
Arrington is the next evolution of that idea. A garden space where walkers, cyclists, families and friends can stop, slow down and enjoy a little bit of Kooky.
Our dream has always been to build a collection of unique spaces, each with their own character, but all carrying the same Kooky charm.”
Bringing The Hardwicke Arms Back To Life
Beyond the garden, the long-term vision is about celebrating the character and history of the stunning listed building itself.
The Hardwicke Arms has been part of Arrington’s story for generations, and the ambition is to carefully bring energy back into the space while respecting the charm and personality that makes it so special.
If the community gets behind phase one, Kooky hopes to move forward with phase two, transforming the downstairs area into a welcoming countryside café experience.
A space that evolves throughout the day:
A morning stop for artisan coffee and fresh bakes.
A relaxed daytime café for friends, families and visitors.
And potentially, as evening arrives, a warm and atmospheric space for events, wine nights, sharing boards and community gatherings.
Josh added:
“When you walk into a building like The Hardwicke Arms, you instantly feel it has a story to tell.
Spaces like this deserve people, conversations and atmosphere. Our ambition isn’t to change what makes it special, it’s to celebrate it and create another chapter.
Imagine coffee in the garden during the day, then the lights dropping in the evening with great wine, food and events. That’s exactly what Kooky is about, creating spaces that change with people.”
Transforming The Garden
The first stage has focused on unlocking the potential of the outdoor space, introducing seating areas, signage and creating a relaxed garden café atmosphere.
The team has worked together to begin transforming the garden area, with further improvements planned throughout the summer.
General Manager Emma Nankivell said:
“What makes Kooky special has always been the people, both the team behind it and the customers who visit us.
Arrington gives us an amazing opportunity to create something slightly different. It has its own personality, fresh air, countryside, coffee in the garden and somewhere people can discover.
The exciting part is this is only the beginning. If phase one proves there is demand, we would love to bring the inside space back to life and create another Kooky destination for the community.”
More Than Coffee
From morning dog walks and cycling stops to weekend family visits, Kooky Arrington aims to become a destination built around moments, not just products.
A place to pause.
A place to connect.
A place to discover.
Community Support Will Shape What Comes Next
The team believes the future of Kooky Arrington will be built together with the community.
Josh added:
“Phase one is about proving the idea.
Come down, have a coffee, bring the dog, meet friends and enjoy the garden.
If the community loves it as much as we believe they will, then we can invest further and create something really special inside too.
The next chapter of Kooky isn’t just about opening more places — it’s about creating spaces people feel connected to.”
Kooky Arrington Garden Café is now open at The Hardwicke Arms, Arrington
Artisan Coffee, Fresh Bakes, Famous Sausage Rolls, Bagels, Pastries, Dog Friendly, Cyclists Welcome, Garden Seating…
So whether you’re walking the dog, exploring Wimpole, cycling through the countryside or simply looking for somewhere new to escape for half an hour…
Come and discover Kooky Nohmad Arrington.
Bring your friends. Bring your family. Bring the dog.
Stay Kooky
