A BARNARD Castle caterer, dubbed The Fairy Scone Mother for her efforts during the Covid lockdown, is hanging up her apron.
Shona Robinson, who owns Oliver Twists Deli, in Horsemarket, baked thousands of fruit and cheese scones during the height of the pandemic to raise more than £2,000 to support the TCR Hub’s food parcel appeal.
After eight years at the helm of Oliver Twists, long hours spent creating the home-baked treats each day have taken their toll.
She said: “Since we reopened, we have been flat out. I’m exhausted and don’t really have any quality time with my family. The last couple of years have really brought it home how important family is and I want to spend more time with them.
“My mum is 85 and there are lots of things she wants to do and I want to do them with her.”
Ms Robinson added: “I’m selling the business as a going concern but retaining the brand name, Oliver Twists. There has been an awful lot of interest up to present.”
Ms Robinson studied hotel and catering management but initially decided on a career as a beauty therapist, jetting all over the world in her role as area manager for the north east and west of England for Virgin Cosmetics.
After leaving the cosmetics industry she returned to hospitality, helping run a successful eatery in Barnard Castle.
She took over Oliver Twists Deli in 2013, initially from a small premises at 35 Horsemarket before moving across the street, three years ago to its present location.
One of the first things Ms Robinson plans when she hangs up her apron at the end of the year is to take a cruise to see the northern lights and Norwegian Fjords.
She said: “I’m still going to be around and I’ve already joined the Friends of the Richardson Hospital and I’m looking forward to doing community volunteering because I love it.
“The girls at the shop have been fantastic and so supportive of my decision. I’m going to miss the customers.”
