Pub couple offer full English at their newly-opened café
A NEW café has opened offering visitors affordable full English breakfasts, lunches, gluten-free options and vegetarian meals.
Viv, 49, and Chris Bateman, 46, who have been the landlord and landlady of The Codnor Inn since 2018, have now opened The Codnor Kitchen, in High Street, Codnor.
The pair have a long history with the hospitality industry, serving in the Royal Navy since 1991, before turning their hand to helping their community.
Through the pandemic, Viv and Chris kept the spirits of their local neighbourhood high by providing live entertainment through social media.
After reopening the Codnor Inn pub in April this year, the couple were greeted by a whole host of eager customers, both new and old. Now they have turned their attention to opening a new café, The Codnor Kitchen, to reach a new clientele.
Chris said: “We were humbled beyond belief at the return of the
customers, so that side of the lockdown wasn’t too bad for us.
“Both of our backgrounds have been in hospitality since 1991 whilst serving in the Royal Navy, so we both have the ‘can do’ attitude and in turn supporting HM Forces charities along with the Air Ambulance.
“Our vision is to build The Codnor Kitchen by introducing guest chef evenings where they can showcase their skills, and also bringing Codnor and surrounding villages locally sourced makings for a traditional Sunday dinner for eat-in and takeaway from September 19.”
Chris said that he and Viv try to use locally-sourced, Derbyshire-made products where they can.
The kitchen was officially opened on September 1 by Derby County FC’s executive chef Neil Hardy.
The Codnor Kitchen is open from 7am (8am Saturday and Sunday) offering full English, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian breakfasts.