13/04/2026
Funny how the cafe is now 12, but I'm still 32 😊
Grateful for what these 12 years have given me, other than the wrinkles.
A pretty special community of people, who've become friends and allies.
The support of the most positive of people, who've cheered us on when I've not been sure myself. Literally to the point of turning up for takeaway coffee when it snowed in lockdown. My heroes.
A crazy gang of colleagues, who've come and gone and added their personality to the spirit of the place. Many have gone on to do some really interesting things, but they will always be Smugglers to me 🙂
The freedom to work for myself all this time. The chance to keep something of my own going whilst also being a mum. To do work I love, and still be back for school pickup. It's sometimes stretched me to my limit, and pitched me against a system built by men. But the adjective people most tag me with these days (to my face) is 'strong', and I'm proud of that.
The passion and drive is still there to keep building. But the current climate is challenging for hospitality, for most people really. So I'm not going to be unrealistic, but when an opportunity comes that suits us and the times, we will grab it! There is something this summer which would be a great fit for us, so I will let you know 💫
Thank you for your 5 minutes. You won't get them back.
But you have won a Free Coffee,
redeemable tomorrow only (14th).
See you then x
