Dream has comes true for baker Katie as she

A CAFE has opened in a village, serving a range of homemade food.

The Secret Garden Cafe is in the centre of Barrow-upon-Soar, set back from the High Street and accessed via an alleyway.

It was launched this week by Barrow resident Katie Edwards, who said opening an eatery was a dream come true.

“This has been something I have always wanted to do. Over the years I have always said to my mum ‘wouldn’t it be great to find somewhere and open a tea room or cafe’,” Katie said.

Katie has worked in the travel industry for over 20 years, most recently as store manager of the Leicester branch of Kuoni.

While working part-time during the pandemic, she also launched a baking business, Bakesat52.

When the unit in Barrow became available earlier this year, she said she knew it was the right time to pursue her plan to open a cafe.

“I mentioned to a friend about the baking business I had set up in lockdown and unbeknownst to me they happened to be leasing a lovely little building in the village, so it was all meant to be,” she said.

Katie’s husband Jason, who has a property maintenance business, carried out a lot of the work on the building – which had been empty for about 20 years – including fitting the kitchen and the bespoke counter, while Katie’s dad and his friend painted the cafe. Katie said she aims to provide “a relaxing and friendly environment at the heart of the community”.

Prepared by Katie’s mum, who is an experienced chef, the food will vary with the seasons, and specials will soon be on the menu.

As well as using produce from local suppliers where possible, Katie said she has sought the expertise of local companies when it comes to other areas of the business.

The windows were frosted by the Sign Shop, Handmade by Natalie Faye has created personalised vases for the tables and supplied the vinyl for the sign, the T-shirts and aprons were printed by PV GreaTs, and fresh flowers are coming from Taylors Florist.

The Secret Garden Cafe is from Tuesday to Saturday.

Over the years I have said to my mum ‘wouldn’t it be great to open a tea room or cafe’

Katie Edwards