Courtyard Cafe aims to whet the appetite in Ironbridge
A popular tea room in Ironbridge has been transformed into a cafe offering a new menu and extended product range which will cater for customers from far and wide.
The Courtyard Cafe has opened its doors at 9, The Square under new ownership after receiving a business start-up grant through Telford & Wrekin Council’s Pride in Our High Street programme.
Owners Nick and Jenny Barratt, who also own Truffles Café in Ironbridge which they will continue to run, tried to buy the unit five years ago.
Now they have been successful in their bid to take on the unit and have used the high street grant to buy new soft furnishings for the cafe, outdoor seating, parasols and a new oven.
The cafe is open every day from 9am to 5pm and the building has been renovated to create a relaxing and enjoyable environment.
Nick and Jenny are also aiming to serve ice cream deserts by installing a soft serve ice cream machine which will be something unique for the Ironbridge Gorge.
Nick is excited about the new business venture which he is hoping will really whet the appetite in the town.
He said: “We have an extensive knowledge of the hospitality industry and strong connections with the previous tea room so we’re really looking forward to running Cafe Courtyard and building on what has always been a cafe previously.
“We’re very grateful to Telford & Wrekin Council for the start-up grant which has enabled us to kit out the cafe with furnishings, signage and has supported us with other start-up costs.
“We hope people will come and see us, whether it’s to drop in for a coffee and a chat or try out some of the range of items on our new look menu. We look forward to welcoming everyone.”
The existing chef and front of house lady have stayed on in the new business and three more staff are also being recruited to support the day-to-day operations.
Councillor Ollie Vickers, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy, said:
“This cafe is in a great location in Ironbridge and through support from Pride in Our High Street we’re delighted to see this unit transformed under a new name and ownership.
“There is no displacement as the unit has been a cafe for years but the fresh ideas which the owners have will help the cafe to reach its full potential with a new menu and other offerings.
“We wish Nick and Jenny all the best with this new business venture and hope it will be extremely popular in the heart of Ironbridge.”
You can find out more about the Pride in Our High Street programme here: Telford & Wrekin Council | Pride in our high street