Walkford Cafe and Cake Pop Corner launch

DELICIOUS homemade cakes, hearty breakfasts and lunchtime delicacies have helped the recently opened Walkford Café build a loyal fan base.

Located on Ringwood Road, the spacious eatery opened last month and has been busy with customers ever since. The establishment also recently received a five-star food hygiene rating.

Owner Helen Virr said: “It’s been pretty overwhelming –we’ve had a great response from the local community, with lots of people popping in regularly to enjoy our breakfasts, lunches, and delicious cakes.”

Breakfast is served until 2pm, with options available for vegetarians and those with giant appetites. Other menu highlights include chili con carne, chicken and bacon jacket potatoes, and a range of sandwiches and baguettes with various fillings.

Other tasty treats include tray bakes, croissants, cheesy chips, and salads.

Helen, who has a degree in nutrition and has previously worked in hospitality, said: “We have tried to give the menu a slightly more healthy focus, whilst still serving the dishes our customers will enjoy.

“The feedback so far has been wonderful, and as we grow we hope to speak to our customers about what they would like to see on our menus.”

Many of the ingredients are sourced locally from Ferndene Farm Shop in New Milton, with in-house baker Joanne McBrien creating an array of wonderful homemade cakes and cake pops.

The venue has become home to Joanne’s growing business Cake Pop Corner, which sells a range of colourful cakes on sticks.

Joanne started her baking business in 2011, taking orders from large corporate clients such as Ikea and LV. However, she scaled back when her two youngest sons were born, before relaunching last October.

Joanne said: “I just absolutely love making the cake pops – I really could make them all day.

“They have been really popular – which is wonderful – they are selling out almost every day.

“They are available each day in the café and I also take bigger orders for weddings and birthdays or special events. I can design them according to the occasion and what people would like.”

Future plans for Walkford Café include hosting special events, parties and themed nights.

Helen said: “We really want to become a social hub for the community so I’d love to be part of a chat café or meet-up scheme where people can pop in for a chat and socialise.”

Walkford Café is open 9am to 2pm Monday to Wednesday and 8am to 3pm Thursday to Saturday.