Jawbone @ Bean on the Green
Join us where words, voice and community meet.
Opening Saturday 1st August 2026
When we first conceived the idea of The Jawbone Journal in a coffee shop in 2019, we had no idea that we would end up as custodians of an actual coffee shop. Of course there are many bookshops that can make a claim to having a coffee bar in their retail area but how many coffee bars can say they have a publisher in their cafe space?
‘Jawbone @ Bean on the Green’ is going to be a meeting place, a dreaming space, a performing space and a sometimes quiet place. Most of all we want it to be a space to continue to build the fantastic supportive community that has wrapped its arms around us since 2019.
The great thing about our cafe is that it is a former post office, a short walk from Max Gate, former home of Thomas Hardy. He was a prolific letter writer and it gives us a thrill to think that he came through the door to post his letters or manuscripts.
In 2028 we will mark the 100th anniversary of the death of Thomas Hardy,.It would be nice to think that he would approve of a creative collective running a word cafe for writers, readers and listeners in Fordington Green, or Durnover Green as he called it in his Wessex novels.
Peter Roe
Founder and co-editor
June 2026
In Praise of Georgie & Mel: Honouring the Legacy of Bean on the Green
As we turn the page to a new chapter here at Fordington Green, we want to take a moment to look back and celebrate the two incredible women who started it all: Georgie Willis and Mel Bond.
Over the last seven years, Georgie and Mel poured their hearts, creativity, and endless energy into transforming this corner of Fordington into a thriving, quirky, and deeply loved community hub for the Dorchester and West Dorset area. Alongside Georgie’s mum, Susanne, whose legendary bakes became a local staple, they built far more than just a café—they created a true sanctuary.
Their impact shone brightest during the difficult days of the COVID lockdowns. When the world felt incredibly uncertain, Bean on the Green provided a vital escape and a lifeline of comfort for local residents. Whether they were finding creative ways to deliver sweet treats or serving up a hot coffee and a slice of cake to enjoy safely in the fresh air on the Green, Georgie and Mel gave the neighborhood a much-needed sense of connection and support when it was needed most.
"During the lockdowns, Bean on the Green was an absolute lifeline for me. It wasn't just about getting a coffee; it was that small, vital bit of daily structure and human connection that kept so many of us going in the local community." — Olivia Steven, Director, The Jawbone Collective
Now, as Georgie and Mel hang up their aprons to embark on their next exciting chapters, they are officially passing the baton over to the Jawbone Collective.
We feel incredibly fortunate and deeply honored to have been chosen to take the reins of this wonderful space. Stepping into their shoes is a privilege, and we are fully committed to building upon the phenomenal foundation they spent so much time and care crafting. We look forward to welcoming the local community, keeping that wonderful neighborhood spirit alive, and honoring the beautiful legacy that Georgie and Mel leave behind.
Thank you both for everything you’ve given to Fordington—you will be missed, and we wish you the absolute best in your next adventures!
Photo taken on the day of the handover 3rd July 2026.
Jawbone’s Megan Simson centre with Mel Ford on the left and Georgie Willis on the right.