Cafe serving up authentic dumplings opens - and it's getting rave reviews

Mum Ella Kacala has realised her dream by opening her own cafe. Fresco Cafe and Eatery luanhced in Merrial Street, Newcastle, last week and has already built a strong reputation with diners.

Ella, who came to the UK 18 years ago from Poland, has enjoyed a bustling trade and received many positive reviews. Ella told StokeonTrentLive: "When I came it was a difficult time because of my language. It was really difficult. I found a job at Asda warehouse for a few months and later worked at New Look for 10 years.

"I always wanted to open my own cafe. Five years ago I started my adventure with catering and I bought a snack van and served breakfasts and lunches at Stone Business Park. I wanted my own shop.

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"I have lived in Newcastle since I moved here and decided to open the cafe in the town. We have been very busy since we opened and have received good reviews. People have been very complimentary."

Ella said it took four months for the unit to be renovated. The cafe has about 40 covers. It is currently open from 9am to 4pm seven days a week but Ella has plans to open later.

She employs an Italian chef and serves a range of breakfasts, sandwiches, and burgers as well as pastas and salads. And there are Polish specials including Pierogi Ruskie, which is dumplings with cottage cheese, potatoes and onion, and Pierogi z miesem, which is dumplings with meat and onion. There are also a range of cakes and desserts.

Ella said: "As time goes on we may open in the evening. We are thinking about a karaoke night. We want to do private parties, birthday parties, wedding anniversaries. We already have a few bookings.

"The town centre is undergoing a refurbishment and it should benefit the business in the long-term."

Ella added that she is hoping to get an alcohol licence soon. Customer Julia Jamiolkowska said: "The food is delicious. I will definitely be coming back."

Anna Adamczyk said: "Wow, what a breakfast." And Adam Woolliscroft added: "Had a lovely ham and mozzarella croissant today. Will be back in soon."

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