A TOWN centre cafe and bookshop is due to reopen with a new look and name.
No 15 Cafe and Curlews Book Shop have been rebranded as McNab’s Books in tribute to proprietor Emma Rowell’s late mother.
Ms Rowell explained that her mum was born Nora May McNab, but was given up for adoption as a baby. She said: “She was a war baby and always thought that her birth mother was unmarried.”
However, research uncovered the fact that her parents were married but her father, George, was shot down over Italy and killed during the Second World War.
Following his death, Nora May was given up for adoption aged just one.
Sadly, she died in 2016 and never knew the truth about her birth parents.
“Everything fell into place just weeks after she died. She never found out about her mum and father,” said Ms Rowell.
She said the decision to rename the business in honour of her mum reflected the
fact the cafe and bookshop were one venture rather than two.
“It is a different business now. McNab’s Books incorporates the cafe as well, however, the spirit of [Curlews] bookshop is still here,” she added. “We wanted to keep the tradition going with an element of second hand
books. Second hand books are so romantic. People love that and so do the holiday makers”
Although the cafe and bookshop were closed during the lockdown, the business kept going, with a delivery service for food, a joint
venture with the Barnard Castle Brewery to offer drinks
and the launch of a library exchange for elderly clients
keen to enjoy something to read. Ms Rowell said this had helped people to “keep thinking of us” . Work carried out during the lockdown means staff at the cafe – the smallest in Barnard Castle – are social distanced and customers will be able to come and go safely.
Ms Rowell is also looking into whether tables can be put on the pavement outside, as is the case with some other cafes in Barney, but for the time being it will be take-away only.
“Everybody has got to be really careful about not passing on the virus,” she said.
“We have changed the menu and everything goes out in single use compostable cups and plates.
“In the bookshop, people will be encouraged to sanitise their hands so they are clean when picking up books.”
A strict cleaning regime will also be introduced. A date for the reopening will be revealed soon.
