When the village shop closed in June 2018, the impact was deeply felt. We lost not just a place to buy essentials, but a vital meeting point and lifeline for many. In response, a group of determined villagers came together to create something new—a shop owned, run, and enjoyed by the community. And so, the Bishop Wilton Community Shop was born.
With support from locals through shares, donations, and grants, and thanks to countless hours of volunteer time and expertise, the shop and café officially opened on 30th January 2020.
We’re proud to be based in a beautifully restored 1839 Primitive Methodist Chapel — first converted into a shop in 1941 — complete with exposed beams and other architectural details that honour its heritage.
Nestled in the picturesque Yorkshire Wolds, Bishop Wilton is known for its beauty and strong community spirit. That’s why it was named one of the UK’s top 5 ‘secret villages’ by The Sunday Times in 2024.
Today, our community-run shop and café is once again a vital hub: offering groceries, local produce, handmade gifts and a warm welcome to residents and visitors alike. All profits are reinvested into the shop or used to support local projects.
Our Members
The shop is enabled by our members, who through buying small shares have a say on how the shop is run and ensure its continued success.
Our Committee
A small team of committee members are voted in to run the shop on behalf of the community. Any member can put themselves forward to be elected to the committee.
Our Shop Manager
Anna is one of the very few paid members of staff and the only full-time member of staff. She oversees the running of the shop, amongst the many other tasks required of her!
Our volunteers
We have 70+ volunteers of all ages and skills who help with front of house, cleaning, admin, marketing, maintenance, and more. They are vital to keeping our community shop running.