New chapter for library cafe in Mansfield as mother and daughter duo open for business
The fate of a closed cafe space in a Mansfield library has been rewritten thanks to a mother and daughter duo who are breathing new life into it.
In a welcome plot twist Chapters, the new cafe at Mansfield Central Library in the Four Seasons Shopping Centre, is now serving up homemade treats and refreshments you can enjoy with a good book.
The library cafe space had been empty for 14 months before Debs and daughter Maddy Stanton opened three weeks ago with the aim of creating a cosy spot for the whole community to enjoy.
The cafe has only been open for a few weeks but already has received a warm welcome from customers.
Debs said: "We have had a fantastic response so far, we have some regulars already and have met some really lovely people, everyone has been fabulous.”
Maddy added: “At Chapters our focus is on good quality food and snacks and good value prices. We sell handmade cakes, savouries, drinks, jacket potatoes, breakfast cobs and much more.”
Debs and Maddy originally turned their passion for baking into a dream come true after starting their wholesale bakery together when Maddie left college five years ago.
The dynamic duo were running a wholesale bakery business before deciding they wanted a more customer facing job.
Debs said: “We saw an advert about the cafe space but I didn’t want to open a cafe right in the centre of Mansfield but my daughter convinced me to go and look at it and 10 seconds later I’d changed my mind and I was sold. “I’ve always loved libraries and there’s so much space here and it’s lovely and quiet so as soon as I saw it I knew we had to do it.”
And what’s it like working with family?
“We love it, we work so well together.” said Debs.
And the pair are already skipping a few chapters and have also signed on the dotted line to open another new cafe space in the Manor Park Pavilion, Mansfield Woodhouse.
Maddy said: “We are renovating Manor Park Pavilion into a kiosk and licensed cafe, perfect for dog walkers, sports players and locals. Stay tuned for more details on opening.”
Debs and Maddy who have three members of staff helping are hoping to announce an opening date for their Manor Park Pavilion venture soon.
Chapters is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 2pm.