Get some lovin’ from the oven
ANDREA LAMBROU
A new Strathaven café bar is now delivering its tasty wares – after its opening was cancelled as the country went into lockdown.
The Drawing Room is a trendy café-bar-art gallery on Bridge Street owned by Mark Currie.
Formerly The Cat’s Whiskers, the venue was set to open in April, but plans had to be shelved because of the coronavirus crisis.
But now locals will be able to tuck into sweet treats and savoury delights, with the café offering picnic boxes, afternoon teas and take away until it is allowed to officially open its doors when restrictions are lifted.
Mark told the News: “I purchased The Cat’s Whiskers in February this year with a vision to refurbish and open in April as a café–bar-art gallery.
“So it was full steam ahead with refurb complete, staff in place, stocked and ready to open the doors the week of lockdown.
“Wow that was a shock to the system!
“I’ve waited, panicked and watched what the other cafés and bars in the town are offering, spoken with them all and worked on a plan to complement the service already there for the town.
“I’ve also got a restaurant on the Isle of Arran where I grew up, so I know how important the sense of community is and how to operate.
“Being born and bred in Arran, I was attracted to buying my next business in a more rural community.” Mark hopes The Drawing Room will serve as a community hub, while also supporting the local economy by using local suppliers.
With his delivery service now up and running, he is now looking to supply alcohol and graze boxes to the doorsteps of Strathaven, Stonehouse and Chapelton.
Mark added: “I’d come up with a few ideas and decided on the ‘Lovin’ to your Oven’, ‘Heat at Home’ idea and so far I’ve had a great response.
“It took me a wee while to get my head around opening the unit and offering something that is entirely different to my vision or original plan, but I am there now.
“It’s all about collaboration for me, working with local businesses and using as many local suppliers as possible.”