Coffee Shop on The Common (Starlight Stores)

8 High St, Downley, High Wycombe HP13 5XJ, United Kingdom
+44 1494 328528
$$$ Cafe , Newsstand
(38 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Coffee Shop on The Common in Downley is a local spot that blends the convenience of a well-stocked newsstand with the casual comfort of a café. Situated right by the common, it’s a practical stop for anyone looking to pick up essentials or grab a bite, whether you’re setting out on a walk or just in need of a quick refreshment.

The vibe here is straightforward and community-focused rather than polished café chic. Customers frequently comment on the fresh, made-to-order takeaway food — from sandwiches to breakfast options — which feels more personal than pre-packaged fare. While seating inside is limited and currently takeaway is the norm, it’s ideal for grabbing something to enjoy outdoors when the weather is kind. On cooler or quieter days, it also serves as a handy pit stop for cyclists tackling nearby hills, offering unexpected treats like samosas alongside decent coffee.

Staff attentiveness stands out, creating a friendly and helpful atmosphere that reinforces its role as a village hub. Beyond food and coffee, the store carries an eclectic mix of household goods, fresh fruit and vegetables, and even frozen groceries, making it much more than just your average coffee shop. This combination of essentials and freshly prepared food means it appeals not just to locals popping in for their morning cuppa, but also to families and anyone needing last-minute groceries without making a bigger supermarket trip.

If you’re visiting Downley Common or passing through High Wycombe, this place fits best into moments when you want a casual, no-fuss stop — be it a quick breakfast, a coffee before a stroll, or picking up snacks and staples. Expect comfortable, down-to-earth service and a spot where supporting local really matters to the owners and patrons alike.

Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
What they serve
Coffee
Quick bite
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

07:30 AM - 09:00 PM

Tuesday

07:30 AM - 09:00 PM

Wednesday

07:30 AM - 09:00 PM

Thursday

07:30 AM - 09:00 PM

Friday

07:30 AM - 09:00 PM

Saturday

08:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Sunday

08:00 AM - 09:30 PM

38 Reviews
Jonathan Dyde

09 Jan 2026

Love, what the new owners have done with this had an absolutely delicious breakfast value for money. Highly recommend. Please support local businesses.

Tarvinder Arora

01 Dec 2025

Lovely food, pizza was amazing, burgers and the dumpling with the sauce, just so delicious. Plus there is an off licence connected with loads of household and frozen goods. And they have a tango blast, oh yeeeeh

Andy Weston

21 Nov 2025

Unusual spot for a cycling club ride, at the top of a decent hill climb. Not had a samosa as a mid-ride snack before, but it was that or a sorry looking flapjack - but it's a Costcutter/Premier/Nisa/Londis - not a coffee shop. Yes they had actually very nice coffee, if a touch on the slow side. Not bad to grab one for a walk around the common, I'd guess, or to pick up your basic groceries. Recommended for locals, not so much for cyclists - although the owner was very welcoming, helpful and accommodating to us mamil numpties.

Matthew Plato

14 Nov 2025

Great little store by Downley Common with the added bonus of fresh hot and cold food. Ordinarily there's a cafe but in these current Covid times it's takeaway. We got some sandwiches and it was great to see them made up in front of us rather than taking something pre-made from a shelf. Only niggle was that some of the fresh food such as pastries and cookies weren't undercover, so I wasn't too keen on having one due to customers breathing over them. Otherwise very nice place, perfect for a pitstop of walking in the area.

Shirley Ellis

24 Oct 2025

Sam and his staff are fabulous people with a great customer service attitude. They do everything they can to help their customers to meet their needs. Very supportive of our lovely village too. Selling fresh fruit and veg, ready to eat foods, kitchen staples and treats. He just about covers everything you could want. We're very lucky to have him in our village!

JAMES GOODCHILD

17 Oct 2025

Well stocked shop handy for cyclists, dog walkers and ramblers using Downley Common and Hughenden Park. It is so nice to find a shop where you don’t have to stress about tying your dog up outside. If only there were more like this.

Jackie Roberts

10 Oct 2025

Starlight has fairly recently opened a little cafe adjoining the store. They make a smashing cup of tea and serve beautiful cakes to go with it. I haven't tried the pizzas or baguettes but if they are half as good as the cake they will be amazing. Perfect place to chill after a ramble through the woods or to catch up with friends. Lovely simple cafe with kids toys to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy a cuppa and a chat.

Gary Plumley

23 Sep 2025

Open early for breakfast and till 9pm, closing in the early afternoon, closed Monday New chef and fresh menu cooked to order. Lovely food and they're a friendly bunch. Place looks clean and inviting. Southern fried chicken is amazing and the piri pire is excellent

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