OWNERS of a thriving family-run Barnard Castle cafe, which celebrated 32 years in business last month, are looking to hand over the baton.
Stables Cafe in Horsemarket, was started in 1991 by Phyllis Stoddart, operating for 29 years out of a converted stable at the rear of the nearby Hayloft shop.
During the pandemic the business, now run by Mrs Stoddart’s daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter Sheena and Stephen Aldred and Nicola Stephenson, continued to serve customers delivering meals to their homes.
Worried they would not be unable to open up again due to social distancing problems accessing the cafe, they relocated to new premises on the opposite side of the street and have continued to thrive.
However, now they are wanting to hand over the baton to new owners.
Ms Stephenson said: “We celebrated our 32nd birthday last month, but mum and dad want to retire and take it easy.
“We are looking for someone to take on the cafe so we can know it’s in safe hands.
“It’s still thriving and busy but we want someone else to run with it.”
She added: “It would be nice for someone local to take on the business so it can continue.
” It’s a great opportunity for someone to step into a very busy business. We don’t plan to close down, but mum and dad want to retire and take it a bit easier after the last few years.”
