Blondies set to celebrate fifth anniversary

Husband and wife team Steven and Laura Bremner have built up a loyal customer base since opening their 'pink cafe' on Beastfair, Pontefract, on November 18 2021.

Laura said sticking to a small menu made in-house with locally sourced food has proved a winning formula.

Laura, who went to Kings High School in Pontefract, worked at Thorntons Café at Junction 32, Castleford, from aged 15 as a Saturday job and went full time aged 19.

She became assistant manager and worked for Thorntons for 16 years before she was made redundant in 2021 when the company closed their retail shops.

Laura said: “I didn't know what else to do with myself, it was all I had known."

She started working at Garforth Garden Centre while deciding what to do next when friends encouraged her to start a business.

Laura said: "We had a queue on the very first day we opened. We just had coffee and cakes for the first four weeks. Then we started doing sandwiches and toasted sandwiches. People say they are the best toasties they have ever had. We have got a small menu but what we do we do well."

Steven, who went to Knottingley High School, worked as a barman at the Carleton Hotel in Pontefract for five years before the couple opened Blondies.

He said: "We have got some great customers who keep coming back. They enjoy the coffee and we enjoy their company.

"Working for yourself is hard work but it's rewarding."

Laura had the idea to paint the café walls pink. She said: "People call it the pink café. It's really nice and bright. it's a happy place to be. I love being here - I look forward to coming to work."

They buy from Cryer and Stott at Allerton Bywater, Bakehouse 39 at Castleford and Recent Coffee Roasters in Wakefield.

The couple, who have a two-year-old son, live in Pontefract.

Customer Debbie Joyner said: "It's the best coffee in the area and the customer service is effortless, beautiful - they are great."

Regular customer Jan Simpson said: "They have delicious homemade cakes."

Graham Young said: "It's the best coffee shop in Pontefract. They consistently have good coffee."