Launch of Walkford Cafe and Cake Pop Corner

DELICIOUS home-baked cakes, hearty breakfasts and lunchtime treats have helped the newly opened Walkford Café build a loyal fan base.

Located on Ringwood Road, the spacious restaurant opened last month and has been busy with customers ever since. The establishment also recently received a five-star food hygiene rating.

Owner Helen Virr said: “It’s been quite overwhelming – we’ve had a great response from the local community, with many people coming regularly to enjoy our breakfasts, lunches and delicious cakes.”

Breakfast is served until 2:00 p.m., with options available for vegetarians and large appetites. Other menu highlights include chili con carne, chicken and bacon potatoes, and a range of sandwiches and baguettes with various toppings.

Other tasty treats include pastries, croissants, cheese crisps and salads.

Helen, who has a degree in nutrition and previously worked in the hospitality industry, said: “We’ve tried to give the menu a slightly healthier focus, while still serving dishes that our customers will enjoy.

“The feedback has been great so far, and as we grow we hope to tell our customers what they would like to see on our menus.”

Most of the ingredients come from the Ferndene Farm Shop in New Milton, with in-house baker Joanne McBrien creating a range of wonderful homemade cakes and cake pops.

The venue became home to Joanne’s growing business, Cake Pop Corner, which sells a range of colorful cakes on sticks.

Joanne started her bakery business in 2011, taking orders from major corporate clients such as Ikea and LV. However, she backtracked when her two youngest sons were born, before reviving last October.

Joanne said: “I love making cake pops – I could really make them all day.

“They’ve been very popular – which is wonderful – they’re selling out almost every day.

“They are available every day at the cafe and I also take larger orders for weddings, birthdays or special events. I can design them according to the occasion and what people would like.

Future plans for the Walkford Café include hosting special events, parties and theme nights.

Helen said: “We really want to be a social hub for the community, so I’d love to be part of a chat cafe or meetup program where people can come and chat and socialize.”

The Walkford Café is open 9am to 2pm Monday to Wednesday and 8am to 3pm Thursday to Saturday.

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