An interview with The Hermit

I sat down with the owner of an exciting new business in Corsham.

The Hermit is an exciting new local business, offering up artisan coffee and fresh baked goods. Isobelle Burge (the mastermind behind The Hermit) knew she wanted to start a business, but it was tarot readings that gave her the final push to go for it. In a tarot deck the Hermit represents introspection, and the idea that the answers you need are already within you. This sign from the universe served as the inspiration for the name and logo of the business, which certainly stand out from the crowd. It is obvious from meeting Isobelle that she has poured the creativity which led her to study makeup at university into the branding of her business. She credits her coffee expertise to years of working in the hospitality industry, specifically at the Corsham high street favourite Mother and Wild. During her time serving as the restaurant’s assistant manager she learned how to be a barista, despite not actually liking coffee! Even if she doesn’t enjoy the taste, her passion for coffee is evident. Burge explained to me all the intricacies of a good cup of coffee. From blends, to roast level, to grams of espresso she truly knows it all. If you order a cup of coffee from The Hermit you can be assured that it was made with love by a true professional.

As well as hot drinks, The Hermit is a purveyor of unique and indulgent baked goods. Shockingly though, baking is new to Burge. I was taken aback by this, as her offerings look like they were made by someone with years of experience. Originally she planned to order cakes, but decided that baking them herself would be a unique selling point for her business. This was certainly the right move, I can’t think of anywhere else that serves up carrot cake muffins or pistachio cookies.

A key part of The Hermit’s development has been the renovation of the trailer which it will be based out of. It has always been an ambition of Isobelle’s to makeover a space, but the process hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing. Early in the renovation process she discovered a large amount of rot, which meant the floor had to be completely gutted and replaced. To add insult to injury, she also had to deal with a colony of ants living in the walls. Despite these setbacks she remained positive, seeing it as an opportunity to make every aspect of the trailer completely custom. Carrying out this makeover has been a real community effort, Burge expressed her immense gratitude for the support system behind her business. Her family and partner have been her greatest help. She has also received offers of assistance from outside her inner circle, with accountants and insurance companies providing their services. Burge currently works at The Flemish Weaver and has received a lot of love from the staff and regulars. One of the most beloved locals at the Flemish and The Three Brewers has been using his DIY skills to fix up the trailer. Burge also credits Kirsty and Nathan, the owners of The Flemish Weaver and The Three Brewers, as some of her biggest supporters.

While the trailer is under construction The Hermit is still up and running. Burge told me that one of the best parts of starting her business was when she worked at the Corsham street fair and the Corsham Creative Market in one day. The Hermit getting its first queue made all of the stress worth it.

There are many ways that you can support The Hermit. You can find her on Instagram @_thehermitcoffee_ and Facebook @TheHermit for regular updates on the progress of the business and her most recent baking triumphs. She also drops off sweet treats at Kettlesmiths, The Flemish Weaver, and the Three brewers. In addition, The Hermit will be at CorFest 2025 selling her wares in the trailer, which is very nearly complete. If you love a good sweet treat, or just love to support local business, then why not check out The Hermit.