Ozlem and Tamer Kamalak. Photo: submitted

The updated breakfast menu includes Turkish breakfast, granola bowls, full English, Eggs Benedict, pancakes and sourdough toast; for lunch there is a range of sandwiches, burgers and sourdough-base pizzas. There is also a children’s menu, a Light Bites section with smaller portions and a Soup & Salad category.

Tamer Kamalak, who took over the business in mid-May, said: “I changed the name to give the café a fresh identity and to reflect both the new menu and the welcoming atmosphere.

“The name was chosen because it is located at a crossroads in the town, symbolising a meeting point for all kinds of people in the community.”

The café caters for a range of dietary requirements, allergies and intolerances, and the menu includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

“We are also happy to adapt dishes where possible, and customers are encouraged to inform us of any allergies or dietary needs,” said Mr Kamalak. “Allergen information is available upon request.

“Most of our bread and pastries are handmade using long-fermentation methods, and we offer a variety of homemade cakes. In addition, we have a Chef’s Specials chalkboard offering lunch-style hot meals that change regularly. The drinks menu includes speciality coffees, teas and cold drinks.

“The café has a small step at the entrance, but we are always happy to assist customers with limited mobility. Inside, the layout is open and there is enough space to accommodate wheelchairs and prams. We aim to provide a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone.”

The new owner is a trained chef with a background in culinary arts. After years of working in restaurant kitchens and five-star hotel operations, he served as head chef at a sourdough bakery.

“Opening this café has been a long-standing dream – an opportunity to bring together my passion and experience in both cooking and dough-making,” Mr Kamalak continued.

“It’s also a lifestyle choice: after many years of working evening shifts, running a daytime café allows a better work-life balance and more time with family, while continuing to do what we love.

“Our aim is to make The Crossroad Café a unique local favourite – a place that offers handmade, high-quality food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

“I am currently running the café on my own, but my wife, Özlem, will soon be joining me and we will continue this journey together. We have many ideas and plans for the future, but we will need a bit of time to develop them fully and move forward in the right way.

“One of our most immediate goals is to go beyond the breakfast, brunch and lunch menus and begin offering delicious, hearty main dishes under the Chef’s Specials section – proper meals that people will enjoy for lunch or dinner.

“While doing this, we aim to strike a balance between quality and price – never compromising on quality but keeping our prices as accessible as possible.”

The café is open Monday–Saturday from 8.30 am – 3.30 pm and on Wednesday (burgers), Friday and Saturday (fish and chips) from 5–8.30pm.

Contact: The Crossroad Café, Townsend Corner, Reepham. Tel: 01603 879300.

Top photo: Facebook

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Mr James thanked the local community for their support over the years. “It has been a very enjoyable 15 years and we gained much pleasure in producing and distributing award-winning beer throughout East Anglia,” he said.

“The brewery occupies the oldest brewing site still in operation in Norfolk, which made it important to sell the business to a local businessperson who could take the brewery to a new level.

“The new owner, Ivan Browne, runs a successful business in Norwich – Walker Rubber, a specialist rubber products manufacturer based in Norwich.

“The good news is that he intends to continue to brew beer in Reepham for the foreseeable future.”

Mr Browne and the Panther team said they are excited about the future of the brewery and look forward to this new chapter and the continuing support of the local community.

The Panther Brewery shop at Unit 1, Collers Way, Reepham, will be open on Mondays and Fridays from 9–5 pm.

Pictured above: Ivan Browne (left), the new owner of Panther Brewery, and former owner Martin James. Photo: Panther Brewery

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“We just want to say a huge thank you to every single person who has supported us over the years,” the couple said.

“From your morning coffees to our busy takeaway evenings, we’ve loved every moment – getting to know you, hearing your stories and being part of your routines.

“It’s been more than just a business; it’s been a community and we’re so proud to have been part of it.

“To our loyal customers, friends and family: thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us build something truly special. We’re so grateful for the memories, the laughs and the kindness you’ve shown us.

“We’re excited for what’s next and wish the new owners all the best as they take over. Please continue to support them the way you supported us.”

The Crossroads Café is open Monday–Saturday from 8.30 am – 3.30 pm; Wednesday evenings from 5–8.30 pm for burgers, loaded fries, baguettes and wraps; and Friday and Saturday evenings from 5–8.30 pm for fish and chips.

See our earlier story:

• New management for café to establish own ‘brand’

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A small, local artisan business is celebrating winning a prestigious national award.

Photos: submitted

Cushion Cottage, located at the Old Railway Station, Station Road, Reepham, and selling local handmade homewares and gifts, has received a Small Business Sunday award, organised and sponsored by Theo Paphitis, the business tycoon and former dragon on TV’s Dragons’ Den.

Cushion Cottage, run by husband and wife team Sally and Doug Bennett (pictured), started their business in 2012, primarily at craft events and selling online.

They have owned their shop in Reepham since 2018, initially selling their own products and those of eight other local artisan makers – a figure that has now grown to 21 Norfolk-based artisans.

The shop sells a wide range of unique handmade items, including cushions, lampshades, upcycled glass and wood lamp bases, soaps, silverware and coasters. It offers “something for everyone”, with bespoke services also on offer for those requiring something more specific.

“We are absolutely over the moon at winning this award as it truly recognises the ethos of the foundations on which the shop is run, particularly supporting local makers and the unique products that are on offer,” the couple said.

“People love coming to our shop to get that visual experience and purchase items direct, which are not available through mainstream online outlets. The award provides us with a huge support network and platform to enable us to grow our business.”

Cushion Cottage is open Wednesday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm and Sunday 11 am – 3 pm. Tel: 01603 928182.

See our earlier story:

• Cushion Cottage opens handmade homeware shop

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Renewable energy firm Albanwise Synergy said the development, which has a lifespan of 40 years, would generate enough power for more than 14,000 homes.

Around 80 people have objected to the plans, as well as Reepham Town Council and local MP Jerome Mayhew.

Broadland District Council’s planning committee has been advised to approve the solar farm, subject to conditions; download the planning officer’s report HERE.

The planning application will be considered at Broadland’s Planning Committee on Wednesday 23 April, starting at 9.30 am. The meeting will be held in the Council Chamber for those wishing to speak and will also be livestreamed HERE.

See our earlier stories:

• Town council objects to solar farm project
• Public consultation now open on solar farm planning application
• Plans revealed for proposed Pettywell solar farm

The post Pettywell solar farm set for approval despite objections appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

This tropical paradise in a 90-foot long flight area features more than 400 butterflies flying free in and around visitors. If you wear bright colours you might even be lucky enough to have one land on you!

At 30°C and with tropical humidity, the new butterfly house provides the perfect living conditions for these amazing flying jewels.

Visitors can visit the flight area once or constantly throughout the day – a useful tip as it can get quite hot inside.

Book now for a visit during the school holidays and remember to book early for a handling experience as spaces book up fast before the day.

See our earlier stories:

• Invertebrate zoo in Lenwade wins business start-up award
• Lenwade insect zoo crowdfunding for conservation area
• Bug Parc gets new additions for summer

The post Tropical butterfly house opening at the Bug Parc appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Interested in history, art, music or food? Would you consider volunteering at Norfolk’s best kept secret, Wolterton, a stunning stately home situated in the heart of the North Norfolk countryside?

Wolterton is a privately owned Georgian historic house that will be opening its gates to the public for the first time this summer with its inaugural art exhibition accompanied by a series of operas, plays and dining experiences.

We are looking to build a team of fun, responsible and positive volunteers to help us host and steward these events. If you would like to know more, please email to register your interest.

We will be hosting a Volunteer Open Morning at 11 am on Saturday 17 May. Please join us to hear further details and we will show you around the hall and supply copious amounts of tea and biscuits!

Email: volunteer@wolterton.co.uk
Tel: 01263 768966
Find out more HERE

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“After years of us appealing to Broadland MP Jerome Mayhew, Reepham Town Council has informed us that the Vodafone mast on the church is now live,” said the agency in a social media post.

“The council's clerk checked the network from the town hall and we are pleased to report that there were actual bars of signal.”

See our earlier story:

• Improved mobile phone coverage coming to town centre

The post Mobile phone coverage boost to town centre appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Join us for an afternoon of creative curiosity or a longer stay in an exquisite setting. Discover our latest workshops, signature events and luxury experiences, or gift your loved ones the time to find their Wolterton.

Inspired by Norfolk’s natural beauty and rich heritage, our seasonal workshops and events invite exploration, creativity and curiosity in magnificent surroundings, inside and out.

The Wolterton owners are offering Reepham Life readers a special 10% discount using code REEPHAM10 at the checkout.

Visit our website for full details.

Wolterton Park
Norfolk NR11 7LY
Tel: 01263 768966
Email: info@wolterton.co.uk

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Salle Christmas Tree Shop will open on Saturday 23 November. We’re here to make your holiday season special, with everything you need for a magical Christmas. We’re open daily from 9 am to 5 pm until Christmas Eve.

Our shop offers a stunning selection of Nordmann fir and Norway spruce trees, all locally grown and freshly cut.

Not sure which tree is right for you? Our friendly staff will be on hand to help you choose the perfect one and will even carry it to your car.

Need it delivered? We offer local delivery, with costs based on distance, for your convenience.

We’ve got your decorations covered too. Alongside our locally sourced gifts, the much-loved felt baubles are back this year by popular demand, and we’re excited to introduce a new range of glass baubles in all shapes and colours. We will, of course, have everything your tree needs, from tree stands to lights in various colours.

Make sure to visit us on the weekend of 7–8 December, when we’ll be hosting a special craft fair. Local artisans and craftspeople will pitch up to showcase their handmade and bespoke Christmas gifts, offering you the chance to find something truly unique while supporting our talented community.

To add to the festive cheer, we’ll also be serving mince pies and mulled wine, so you can enjoy some holiday treats while you shop.

At Salle Christmas Tree Shop, we’re dedicated to making your Christmas stress-free and joyful. Whether you’re decorating, gift shopping or simply looking for a festive outing, we’ve got you covered.

Mark your calendar and bring your family and friends to celebrate the season with us. We can’t wait to welcome you and help make your Christmas truly magical.

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