Flackwell Heath coffee shop in dispute with Sainsbury's

Moc & More opened its doors in February selling homemade cakes, sandwiches and artisan coffee to customers.

Business owner Serim Kiran is in a dispute with neighbouring store Sainsbury's over their delivery lorry parking outside her shop from 7am to 9am.

She said it has caused her a "constant headache for the past three months."

The mother-of-one said: "Sainsbury's is a big company and they don't care. I've said to the Sainsbury's manager can the lorry come earlier or later and he said no.

"This is a big problem for us as we can't make money in the morning and when the lorry stays like this no one is seeing our shop."

She claims the delivery lorry is blocking the view so customers can't see the store, resulting in her losing up to £200 to £300 a day. 

"I think they have made a personal attack with us," Serim claimed.

"We buy the milk with them as we go through a lot. I don't understand why.

"Despite repeated attempts to contact Sainsbury’s, our concerns have been ignored, resulting in significant disruptions to our business operations.

"As a small business, we are severely impacted by this situation, particularly because we are unable to receive customers in the mornings.

"We are deeply disappointed and hurt by the behaviour of Sainsbury’s employees, who insult us and disregard our pleas for assistance."

Serim has repeatedly complained to Sainsbury's on X (formerly Twitter) and visited the store.

Sainsbury's has now acknowledged they are aware of the complaint.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We’re sympathetic to the owner’s situation.

"We have reassured her that we are exploring alternative options for our deliveries and our store manager will invite her to discuss them soon.”

The cafe is open every day Monday to Saturday 7am to 5pm.

Moc & More also supports other local independent businesses, including Studio 39, a florist run by Zoe Smith who sells her flowers in store.

Serim said: "Flackwell Heath is for small businesses and you see everyone supports everyone. 

"We support a lady from Studio 39 by selling her flowers for her and we support Giggles the balloon shop and on Mother's Day and Valentine's Day she brought her balloons here.

"We have no problems with locals and the local community supports everyone and Crumb's Corner too, as they make different things and we make different things." 

For independent businesses, it can be a struggle navigating this current climate.

Serim, from Germany, touched on what inspired her to open Moc & More and the struggles the business faces day to day.

Adding: "When I came to UK with my husband during Covid I got pregnant so I thought what can I do?

"My family runs coffee shops in Germany so this is my little dream.

"I love coffee, I love flowers and this lorry is now my biggest problem. I'm a very relaxed person and hate bad vibes.

"We have very high rents and it's a lot of money but you also have to make that money and pay council tax too."