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There's a buzz around Barry after a new café and deli opened on Thomson Street. With a dedicated fan base on Facebook and twitter chatter to match, The Little Blue Deli is the talk of the town.
INTO THE BLUE
Vale Life caught up with busy owner, Jonathan, over a skinny, double-hit, decaffeinated latte with a shot of vanilla.
Congratulations on opening. How's business?
Honestly, it's been quite overwhelming really. I hoped that we'd just tick over in the early months and word would get round but business has grown fast.
How would you describe The Little Blue Deli?
I suppose it's part deli, part café, part take-away. I think it's different things to different people. Breakfast time is popular and we have groups of ladies that lunch here regularly. Lots of locals and office workers use us for takeaway - sandwiches, baguettes, cakes and hot and cold drinks.
Young mums pop in with babies and older mums drop by after they've dropped the children off at school. It's a real mixed bag but all of our customers really appreciate the ambience - things like our freshly cut flowers, the smell of baking and the relaxed, stylish interior.
You mentioned cakes. You're getting quite a reputation for them.
Yes... again, something that just seemed to take off. I think people really like home-made cakes - ours have certainly become popular. We make giant cup cakes as well as the standard size. The giant ones are really popular as gifts and the children really love them. They say we eat with our eyes so creating something that looks delicious to customers makes perfect sense.
We make celebration cakes too. We've catered for quite a few children's parties and we're also becoming quite popular with companies wanting sandwiches and buffets for meetings and conferences - I hadn't expected that. We're even catering for a wedding next year!
Who designed the interior?
I had a vision... but honestly, it just sort of came together. It's a mix between 1970's retro and Cath Kidston with a shot of Swedish chic. It seems to work. People like the cool blues and warm oranges and reds. It's vibrant and restful all at the same time but our customers like it so that's all that matters.
Why do you think people have really taken to The Little Blue Deli?
We treat people with respect. We're friendly and welcoming... isn't that what people want? That's what I want whenever I go somewhere. We're also open seven days a week so people can come in early for breakfast or later for an evening meal.
We pride ourselves on presentation, cleanliness and good service. It's what matters to us and our customers.
What are your plans for the future?
It's evolving all the time. We were open six days but now we're open on a Sunday too. We'd like to expand upstairs - we'll see how it goes.
WHAT PEOPLE FACEBOOK
ABOUT THE LITTLE BLUE DELI
When you're tired and weary and need to recharge the batteries, this little oasis is a must! I guarantee you will not be disappointed with the friendly staff, lovely variety of sweet and savouries, calming decor and attention to detail. Call in and experience for yourself.
Kim Phillips
The Little Blue Deli is exactly what Barry needed. A chance to get away and relax whilst having delicious food in fantastic surroundings. I love this place!
Samantha Rowles
Lovely place, lovely food, lovely people... what more can I say! Paula Harvey Friendly staff, fun decorations and lovely food. Outside area is fab. Chicken tikka wraps for lunch today and a scone to take away - yum!
Susan Baker Wallace
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