A NEW cafe is to open at Warden.

Citrus Cafe is expected to open in September.

Mouse Straker, of Fourstones, started Citrus Catering in 2016 after returning to her native North-East from London, serving private parties, weddings, and other functions.

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And in 2019, the business expanded with a mobile food van, serving mac and cheese, used for festivals and other large-scale events.

“What we’re doing is turning the trailer into a cafe”, Mouse, who has over 15 years of experience in the industry, having worked in kitchens across the world, said.

“It will be ideal for cyclists and walkers of Hadrian’s Wall - It’s a prime location.

“I saw a gap in the market for a cafe around this area.

“I want it to be a really nice, cosy, home cafe. The design is quite quirky, I class it as funky fresh.

“I want it to be a little bit different to your average cafe. All the outside area is Astroturf with pallet furniture. Inside, it’s got a nice breakfast bar with internet ports and artwork that I don’t think anybody would have seen before.”

The artwork is by Mouse’s cousin Alice Straker Art, of Hertfordshire.

Food will be served from the trailer, but there will be an indoor and outdoor area of the cafe, running out of the business’ unit in the Boatside Inn car park.

“I’m planning on offering brunch, light lunches and cakes, maybe afternoon teas”, said Mouse.

“Everyone has started entertaining again. There’s a big demand on services.”

Mouse, who was herself trained by some of the best in the catering industry, including The Great British Bake-off’s Prue Leith and has worked in prestigious kitchens, including hotels along Australia’s Gold Coast, is also looking for staff – including a chef and waitresses.

And it is hoped that once the cafe gets established, it will also be able to be hired out for private functions.

During lockdown, when events ground to a halt, the mobile van offered weekly burger and curry nights after restaurants were forced to close their doors on and off for almost two years due to coronavirus.