New cafe opens at The Craig

A former student at New College Lanarkshire is embarking on her first business venture as her cafe opens at The Craig park in Ravenscraig.

Bobbi Arnott won a competition run by North Lanarkshire Council and the college, in partnership with Business Gateway Lanarkshire,young Enterprise Scotland (YES) and North Lanarkshire Properties, to use a hub kiosk situated in the new public park.

The Food Lovers Cafe will open Mondays to Fridays from 7am to 4pm, and Saturdays and Sundays 8am to 4pm with hot and cold drinks, breakfast and lunch items, a children’s breakfast and lunch menu, as well as a vegetarian and vegan menu.

The full menu is available on Facebook @ Foodloverscafe21.

Ahead of the cafe opening, Bobbi said:“as opening day is here I’m filled with anticipation and excitement for my new journey as a business owner.”

The opportunity to provide this business start-up was made possible through funding obtained by the council from the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund and Regeneration

Capital Grant Fund.

The council’s deputy leader, and Motherwell councillor, Paul Kelly visited the cafe to wish Bobbi well with her business, pictured above.

“The cafe will be an excellent addition to the facilities on offer at The Craig, which is proving very popular with families enjoying the first class play areas as well as other visitors to the outdoor gym, multi sports area, and the network of paths for a walk or cycle,”said Councillor Kelly.

“Bobbi has worked extremely hard to set up her new business, and I would like to wish her every success.”

Bobbi, from Motherwell, has received support from New College Lanarkshire, where she completed NQ Level 5 Craft Bakery and HNC Patisserie courses, including from student Andrew Clark who set up her website.

Dugald Craig, from New College Lanarkshire and one of the competition’s judges, said:“i have been consistently impressed by Bobbi’s commitment and effort in driving forward her business idea, not least her capacity to sustain motivation during the pandemic restrictions.

“I look forward to visiting the cafe when it’s up and running.”