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A MUCH-LOVED cafe in Middlewich is re-opening after the coronavirus lockdown.

Drinks and Bites at No 35 will be re-opening their cafe on Wheelock Street as a takeaway only on Thursday, May 21.

Married couple Holly and Gemma Crocker say they can't wait to see their customers after being closed for eight weeks.

"Our local customers have known us for years," said Holly, who opened the business with Gemma seven-and-a-half years ago. "They are incredibly loyal to us, some are like family. We've spent time on the phone with some of our older customers during the lockdown."

Northwich Guardian:

Gemma and Holly Crocker can't wait to see their loyal customers again

The cafe will only be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm instead of its usual six days a week.

"We’ve really missed being at work and doing our job," said Holly. "We cannot wait to see you all and feed you and make you some good coffee.

"Now that they've said people can do a bit more exercise and are allowed out of their homes, we felt this was the right time to re-open.

"We shall be serving the majority of our menu, breakfasts, toasties, panini, ciabattas, sandwiches and homemade cakes.

"We're going to be doing a little pop up counter in the door with a big perspex on top. We will be adhering to all the government's social distancing guidelines."

Northwich Guardian:

Drinks and Bites is launching a new afternoon tea box

The cafe will be also offering a new afternoon tea box which can be delivered to people's homes or collected, but must be ordered in advance.

"People can phone up, order and pre pay the day before or come and collect," said Holly. "We're going to donate £1 from every box to NHS Charities Together.

"Our business is well established now so we like to give something back where we can."

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The cafe is a dream come true for the couple.

Gemma used to own a small cafe in Northwich and Holly worked in an office in Manchester. They each dreamed of owning a larger cafe together somewhere.

In December 2012, Gemma had a serendipitous meeting with an old friend and an opportunity presented itself to make their vision a reality.

Drinks and Bites opened in January 2013.

Ever since Gemma and Holly have continually striven to build and improve on what they do and what they can offer their new and regular customers.

The cafe in Middlewich town centre has gone from strength to strength.

Northwich Guardian:

Do you run an independent business in our area that has had to adapt during the coronavirus pandemic?

Email northwich@guardiangrp.co.uk and share your story.