AFTER an early experience in catering, a Leigh mum has fulfilled a long-standing dream to open a cafe that has "something for everyone" - and brought her family with her for the ride.
Launching 'Cucina Cafe' out of Leigh Spinners Mill in 2018, Fiona Lythgoe decided to expand the business two years later, and with the help of covid grants and family assistance, the cafe moved into a larger and redecorated premises on Chapel Sreet.
With the help of Fiona's mum, sister, and daughters, Cucina has become an increasingly busy spot off the main road, due to its "high quality" food and bakery options, spacious inside and outdoor seating, and "feel good" atmosphere.
READ > Bradshawgate business a 'challenge' for husband and wife team at healthy food shack
Fiona said: "I wanted the cafe to be like somewhere I would like to visit, with a standard of food that I would expect if I was cooking at home.
"We pride ourselves in offering a high-quality menu, with everything cooked or baked fresh here every day.
"We also try to target all kinds of people and offer something for everyone, which we see by elderly people, school kids, families, and rugby teams all coming in for something different."
With plenty of returning customers helping Cucina to succeed, Fiona said that many of them are drawn in by the mouthwatering bakery and cake selection made fresh every morning by her daughter Kitty.
Homecooked breakfasts and speciality coffee are also popular orders, the Cucina team said, as well as their rotating special boards that keep the menu fresh.
And although the business has encountered struggles during the pandemic and cost of living crisis, it is the strong family unit that has kept Cucina a thriving and welcoming place to be.
Fiona added: "We have definitely had some stressful times, especially with police checks after opening during covid, but we have stuck it out as a family.
"We all wanted the cafe to have that family feeling and not just another faceless business, and we think we have got that feel-good factor here.
"We have some customers saying this is 'just what the area needed' and others saying they didn't even know we were here, so it feels like we have grown organically with loyal customers and still attracting new faces."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel