A WORLDWIDE pandemic hasn’t stopped a cafe in Hexham town centre from celebrating a special anniversary this month.

Small World Cafe has been open for five years in Hexham’s Market Place, serving customers a range of drinks, tray bakes, breakfasts, and much more.

Despite reaching the milestone, owner and manager Angela Wilson said: “We don’t have any plans for a celebration, not really.

“Still being open is a celebration itself after the last 18 months with the pandemic. We’re just going to carry on doing what we’re doing – and we’ve been busy since we re-opened.”

Angela moved to Redesdale from Yorkshire 17 years ago. Originally a teacher, she wanted to change direction after taking time out of work to bring up her children.

When her husband suggested opening a cafe, Small World was born.

She said: “I love it up here in Hexham, the people are so friendly. Hopefully, they keep coming back because we have lovely staff and good quality food.”

Small World Cafe is particularly proud to serve food from the local area.

Angela said: “It’s not only important to support other local businesses, but also keep food miles low for environmental reasons.

“I make a lot of the food myself too – homemade pies and tray bakes were particularly popular during lockdown. Sometimes it can be crazy to keep up with the demand.”

As well as a loyal customer base, Angela said tourists and visitors to Hexham regularly drop in to the cafe. In addition to that, the cafe’s online presence has been growing – especially while Angela has been serving takeaways.

In fact, the takeaway side of the business has really taken off, with the expected dip in takeout orders on reopening yet to happen.

She said: “Last March, we had around 400 Facebook likes but now I’m at about 1,200 or 1,300. We’ve gained lots of attention which kept people coming and brought in some new customers too. With takeaways alongside indoor and outdoor dining, we’re busier than ever!”

The next major milestone for Small World Cafe will be its 10th anniversary in 2026. Angela is not focusing on that too much though.

She said: “I’m going to just take each year as it comes for now. Hopefully I’ll still have a thriving business that’s as strong as ever then!

“For now, I just want to say thanks for all the support over the last five years – especially the last couple during the pandemic.”

Small World Cafe is open from 9am to 3.30pm daily from Monday to Saturday.