News / Victoria Park
Mrs Brown’s Cafe returns to Victoria Park for the summer
The laughter and squeals of pre-school children fills the air in Victoria Park on Friday morning as they climb, slide and swing their way around the playground.
Soon before 10am on a patch of ground nearby, colourful wooden picnic tables seem to appear as if by magic – including a mini table for the smallest patrons.
The news that Mrs Brown’s Cafe was to close came as a shock to its loyal customers when it was announced last year, with what was meant to be a final send-off on Bonfire Night.
But now, after expecting to start a new life in Staple Hill with their young son, owners Emily and Elliot are back on a pop-up basis two or three days a week for the summer while the council dithers over putting the site out to tender.
“Welcome back guys, although it’s temporary,” one mum shouts, accompanied by her son dressed as Spider-Man. “We’ve missed you!”
Spotty tablecloths are placed on the picnic tables as the playground continues to fill up with excitable children, whose mums and dads occasionally glance at the cafe just the other side of the fence checking whether or not they can get their caffeine fix yet.
Mrs Brown’s pop-up incarnation is much the same as before, with drinks options of tea, coffee and hot chocolate, food like filled croissants, cakes, pastries, salted caramel power balls, and ice lollies for the little ones.
A story and craft workshop was just getting started soon before 10.30am on Friday, as the queue to Elliot behind the counter continued to grow.
“You guys are a lifesaver,” one customer told him as she picked up a latte and an ice lolly. “All is well again!”
This weekend, Mrs Brown’s Cafe is opening on Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm, and Sunday from 11am-3pm. Keep an eye on their Twitter account, @MrsBrownsCafe, for details of their pop-up opening hours over the summer.
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