The manager of a popular tearoom based near Cockermouth is set to relocate and open a new cafe in Whitehaven.
Julie Southward, 53, of Harrington, will be moving from Squirrels Pantry, based at Oakhurst Garden Centre, and opening her own venue – The Courtyard Cafe – on James Street in mid August.
Julie said: “I’m feeling all positive. I’ve got no doubt in myself, I’m not being big headed, I just believe in myself and I’m so excited to get going. My two main staff are coming with me as well.
“To be honest when I took Squirrels Pantry on I didn’t realise just how busy I would get, so I’m basically downsizing with my health in mind. Getting staff in the area has also been difficult.
“I’m taking a big risk, but I do love the area and I do know they’re putting a lot of money into Whitehaven, so I think I’m doing it at the right time.”
The new cafe is replacing the former James Street Barbers and Julie said the building is undergoing a full renovation.
She added: “We’re totally gutting the space and we’re doing it all from scratch, but our landlord has been amazing with us.
“My husband has done everything himself and he’s done it around his full time job as well, he’s been amazing and my brother is doing the electrics.
“It’s going to be done in an industrial style inside, so I’ve got handmade wooden tables and it’s going to be black brick effect walls and wood.
“It’s going to be classy, shall we say! We’ve also got a lovely window seat for people to relax at. It will be a really nice relaxed vibe and place to sit and just watch the world go by.
“I’m also going to put a big frame on the wall of pictures of the start to the finish of the renovations so people can see how it came along.”
Julie added that the inspiration behind The Courtyard Cafe’s name is due to the outdoor space the new cafe has.
She added: “I’m doing it up nicely with plants and seating and it gets the sun out there, so it will be lovely for people to come with their dogs after a walk on the harbour.”
Julie said that homemade cakes and scones will be a big focus at the cafe alongside traditional cafe foods.
She said: “I’ve done my research and I feel like there is a lack of homemade cakes and scones in the town, and cakes are what we’re renowned for, so I think that will do quite well.
“We’ll also be doing sandwiches, jacket potatoes, weekly specials, nice hot meals, homemade soups and salads in summer. It will all be seasonal and we’ll be doing a bit of everything really.”
Julie is leaving Squirrel’s Pantry on Saturday July 27. The Courtyard Cafe is set to open around mid to late August.
