Yahoo News Stoke-on-Trent community café back open for first time since Covid
A community cafe is back open after being closed for four years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Tiny Toez at Westfield Cafe, inside the Buccleuch Road nursery, has already seen an abundance of customers through its doors since opening last week.
Nicola Reynolds worked at the cafe for five years before it was closed down, and has come back now it’s been reopened. She has been joined by Christina Luke, who has worked at other schools serving up food for children prior to this.
So far, the ladies have seen many happy customers visiting the cafe, with children taking advantage of the soft play area and the library. A range of hot and cold food is on offer, including specials of the day such as lasagne or a cheesy pasta bake.
READ: Sunday lunches for just £7.50 sell out at new community cafe
READ: GPs call for sick Vinnie, 3, to be moved out of 'damp' home
Nicola said: “It’s been steady so far. The weather was lovely last week so we weren’t expecting many people because people like to sit outside, so it was a nice surprise. We’ve been really busy today, and we also cook for Treehouse Nursery in Bentilee as well as here, so we're very busy.
“Christina only started last week and we feel like we’ve known each other for ages already. It’s really nice working with people you get on with well. All the food is homemade, and nothing is greasy or fried, we like to make sure our options are healthy.”
Christina added: “We have a special of the day which depends on the menu each day, so today we’ve made a cheesy pasta bake with peppers and vegetables. We also sell freshly made sandwiches, baguettes, oatcakes, tea cakes, and crumpets, with an assortment of jams and marmalade.”
Lisa Tinsley is the deputy manager of Tiny Toez. She said: “We’re excited to announce it open. It’s nice to be inside a children’s centre because we have health visitors coming and lots of parents, so they can get a drink and food.
“It compliments our outstanding nursery and we all get on - we’re like a family at Tiny Toez, and we all support and lean on each other. It’s good to be friendly. It’s huge for the community too, and they’ve been really positive about it.
“Our staff all have qualifications and food hygiene certificates. And we’re cheaper than the corner shop down the road. Anyone can come and pay us a visit.”
Joan McMain was visiting with her grandson, Finley George, who also attends the nursery. She said: “He [Finley] loves it, it’s a beautiful place to bring children. It’s so safe inside and it’s lovely. We’ve had a beautiful sandwich meal deal, which comes with crisps and a drink for £4. It’s a lovely place. I recommend it.”
Tiny Toez at Westfield Cafe is open during school term time on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9am until 2pm.
