Extension sees Helmsley cafe double in size

Helmsley-based cafe, Crema Coffee House, recently underwent a significant extension, which has doubled the size of the establishment.

In October 2014, Crema took over the lease on the building next door to its original Borogate location, and has now finished converting the two into one large premises.

As part of the extension work, both buildings have had to undergo multiple changes. Archways have been put in either side of the ground floor passageway that connected Nos 2 and 3 Borogate, along with a linking archway on the first floor.

The expansion now allows the cafe to seat up to 60 diners, thus meaning the business can cater for larger parties.

In addition, due to Crema installing a larger kitchen and a hot food license, the business will now be launching an extended menu to provide a wider selection of warming meals in winter.

After running Crema for three years, owner Rachel Harrison took the opportunity to purchase the adjacent premises when the lease became available.

In 2012 Rachel decided to take voluntary redundancy from a 17-year role in accountancy at York Council, having always wanted to run her own cafe and having fallen in love with the town of Helmsley as a child.

Rachel said: “The cafe was doing really well, and we had such a loyal and established customer base, that it seemed like the time was right to take the plunge and grow! The renovations took some time, as there was a lot of work needed to be done, including quite a few changes to the original Crema layout. Our kitchen has been moved downstairs and is now much bigger than before, and we have a dedicated coffee preparation area which will mean customers can now watch their drinks being made.

“All the work has been done by local tradesmen, who I have known for many years, and my very talented dad has done all the joinery and decorating work. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without him, so would like to say a big thank you.

“The expansion gives me many more opportunities for the future so the business will definitely keep evolving, but we will continue to concentrate on our core strengths of fabulous Pumphreys coffee, delicious freshly prepared food, home baking and friendly service. You’ll always receive a warm Yorkshire welcome and we look forward to showing people round the new and improved Crema!”

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