Royal William Yard is welcoming a new independent coffee bar just in time for Christmas – and it marks a very special milestone for its 21-year-old founder. DockSide Coffee Bar opens on Saturday 20th December as Millie Reynolds' first business venture, bringing her dream of creating a cosy waterside retreat to life at the popular Plymouth destination.

It’s a bold first step for any entrepreneur, but Millie arrives at Arcade with seven years of hospitality experience already under her belt, having worked in the industry since she was 13. She knows exactly what makes a great coffee shop and what makes customers feel truly at home – now she's channeling that knowledge into building something entirely her own.

DockSide becomes the third business to join Arcade, the collection of flexible retail units housed within the Grade I listed Brewhouse building that launched this summer. The coffee bar – which joins Nala's Pet Co. and Pebble womenswear boutique as part of the growing independent business community at the waterfront destination – will serve expertly brewed coffee, speciality teas and freshly baked treats by the water's edge.

From the Midlands to the waterfront

Originally from the Midlands, Millie moved to Devon two years ago to work in a hotel and immediately fell in love with the South West. The idea of creating her own business – a place where community could flourish over great coffee – had been a dream. Working in a local pub where she watched regulars become family and witnessed how a venue could become the heart of a community, Millie knew this was what she wanted to create for herself.

When the opportunity arose at Royal William Yard, Millie was ready. She is creating DockSide entirely from scratch, creating the business exactly as she envisioned it – a warm, welcoming space where everyone belongs.

Millie Reynolds, Founder of DockSide Coffee Bar, said: “I love the sea and the idea of creating a homely coffee shop by the water. I want DockSide to be a warm and welcoming environment – somewhere people can come on their own or with loved ones, whether that's to chill, study, catch up with a friend, or just take a moment for themselves. It's my safe space, and I'm proud to be building it from scratch in exactly the way I envisioned.

“This is something I've dreamed about for ages. Although it's been hard work to get to this point, the process has been quicker than I imagined and I’m raring to get the doors open. I'm so excited to make people's days one coffee at a time; that's the dream – to create those small moments that matter.”

A retreat with character

Step inside DockSide and Millie's vision has been brought to life: rustic warmth meets seaside character. Wood effects in different tones create depth, warm lighting makes everything glow, and touches of blue nod to the waterfront setting. Plants bring nature indoors, softening the industrial heritage surroundings with a sense of calm.

The space seats 18-20 people across a thoughtful mix of seating: tables for two, a large round communal table for gathering, high tables with bar stools, and leather armchairs tucked into a cosy corner perfect for settling in with a book. Outdoor seating will follow in due course.

This is a place that welcomes everyone. The coffee shop is proudly dog-friendly with bowls and blankets provided for four-legged visitors. Local residents receive a 10% discount. And whether you want to sit and savour or grab something to go, everything is available to take away.

Quality in every cup

DockSide is working with The Coffee Company in Newton Abbot – a family-run business supplying both the equipment and the beans. Millie has chosen their Monsoon range, sourced from a Brazilian rainforest where the beans are left outdoors to absorb the rainfall. This natural process enhances both flavour and scent, creating a distinctively smooth cup of coffee.

The menu offers something for every mood: hot and iced coffees, speciality teas, matcha, hot chocolate and fresh-blend smoothies. On the food side, everything is kept local. Baked goods, savory filled croissants, granola pots and more. The cakes come from Buns and Crumbs in Kingsbridge and Salcombe.

Backing independent spirit

Richard Lace, Head of Commercial Lettings at Urban Splash, said: “We're delighted to welcome Millie and DockSide Coffee Bar to Arcade. We love supporting independents who are doing things differently, and we're particularly excited to back Millie in her first business venture. She brings exactly the kind of energy, passion and attention to detail that makes Arcade special – and we know visitors will love what she's created here by the waterside.”

With monthly licensing options and longer-term leases of up to six years available, Arcade continues to offer flexible opportunities for businesses across retail, leisure and hospitality. Units range from 492 to 1,303 square feet, each featuring roller shutters for independent operation, set within striking industrial heritage surroundings. Businesses interested in joining Arcade's growing community can have licences issued within a week, enabling rapid setup and launch.

For more information about Arcade, visit www.royalwilliamyard.com/Arcade