Lorrain Powderham, the heart and soul behind Wagtails Café in Minnis Bay, is marking the first anniversary of taking ownership of the business with a community celebration.
Since taking over the former Joe’s Café in Minnis Road last September, Lorrain has transformed it from a traditional café into a vibrant community space, offering great food and coffee and a welcoming space for connection, creativity, and camaraderie.
Lorrain’s journey to café owner began with a simple idea she couldn’t shake.
She said: “I only took the café on because a seed of an idea was planted. I could see it could be run differently – more inclusively and welcoming.”
With no prior experience in running a hospitality business, just intuition and determination, Lorrain took the leap and opened the café.
She said: “Maybe life would have been easier if I had a plan but maybe I wouldn’t have come this far if I had thought about it too much.”
Her approach, combined with the support of her team, Stacey and Jodie, has made Wagtails a warm and inviting place for all.
During the past year, Wagtails Café has become a real hub for the community, hosting a variety of groups and events, including Monday Chat & Natter table; Craft and Mah Jongg groups; IT support sessions; Grumpy Men’s Club; book clubs and a French-speaking breakfast club; Rotary breakfast meetings, FSB gatherings, and quiz nights and wellbeing events, craft workshops and live music
A retired NHS practice nurse, Lorrain has held many roles throughout her life but says running Wagtails has been the most satisfying.
“Being my own boss is hard work,” she said “but it allows me to put a little bit of me into my café. My goal has always been to make Wagtails the go-to place for good food, good service, and a welcoming atmosphere – whether you come in a group or on your own. A place where you’re not on your own.”
To mark the occasion, Lorrain is hosting a first birthday celebration on Saturday 27th September. Guests can enjoy a free piece of cake with every purchase and Lorrain would love for attendees to donate whatever they can to charity Birchington in Bloom.
That group of volunteers keep the café planters, along with other planters throughout Birchington, looking beautiful all year round – giving their time and energy entirely for free.
The cafe sounds a positive environment to experience.