It’s business as usual at V’s Café in Reepham, with the new owners pledging to source as much local produce as possible for local customers.
David and Debbie Savage, who live in Reepham and took over the business at the end of November, have seamlessly stepped in with the help of existing staff and daughter Gillian, who also has a small share in the business.
Left to right: Gillian, David and Debbie Savage, the new owners of V’s Café, Reepham. Photo: John Tym www.tympix.com
The Savages acquired the café from Ian Auld, who is now working as a freelance chef, having owned the busy Townsend Corner establishment for some six years.
No strangers to the catering trade, the Savages had previously run a snack bar in Great Yarmouth for four years, but found business in the seaside resort highly seasonal as well as being quite a commute.
“It’s nice not having to go so far to work,” said David, who is a carpenter by trade as well as being a coffee aficionado. "Ian told us he would be selling and as he knew we had sold our business in Great Yarmouth he gave us the first opportunity to buy V’s.
“We haven’t had to change things a lot,” David admitted. “We really liked what Ian did here. But we are trying to put our own mark on the business so it feels like ours. And we love it when local people come in here with friends or their children. Everyone is so friendly.”
The interior of V’s has been tastefully redecorated with one wall adorned with framed pieces of coffee sacks from across the world. The floors have been sanded back to give a fresh and clean feel, and there are plans to spruce up the outside once the weather improves.
The floor space has also been reorganised to accommodate seating for around 22 people, with a small table outside during the summer months, which is popular with cyclists.
Named after Victoria, the café’s original owner, V’s offers all-day breakfasts and a good selection of snacks, light meals, cakes and beverages; a takeaway menu is proving popular, especially with businesspeople and local traders. The café sources and freshly grinds its own coffee, and offers a range of loose leaf tea.
“We simply want to offer good value for money, with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere,” said Debbie. “And we have tried to maintain everything in keeping with the rest of the town. We’ve already had a lot of positive customer feedback, and we will also aim to cater more for children, such as offering home-made cookies.”
V’s, Townsend Corner, Reepham NR10 4LN. Open Monday-Saturday from 9 am – 5 pm. Tel: 01603 879300
See our earlier news story:
Left to right: Debbie, David and Gillian Savage of V’s Café, Reepham. Photo: John Tym www.tympix.com