Courtyard cafe in St Helens shares secrets of success

A year ago, Cathy Owens gave up being a teacher – a profession she had for more than 20 years – to follow her dreams of opening her own café.

The Courtyard on City Road has become a focal point in the neighbourhood, many regulars visit several times a week and it has gone from strength to strength in its first year – so much so they had to extend.

But for mum-of-two Cathy, the key behind that success is her family, staff and the community.

She said: “It’s been hard work, but everyone came together to make it happen and I really do have the most amazing staff and family.

“My mother-in-law stepped in to initially help in the early days and only retired 11 months later, we are such a team here and I think that family atmosphere is what makes people come back.

“We have lovely regulars too such as Mary and Jan who come and have afternoon tea every Wednesday with us and Richard who spent his 93rd birthday here as he’s here all the time and Trish and Dave who come every single day we are open.

“I’m thrilled that we’ve had an amazing year, especially in the current cost-of-living crisis and on the back of the pandemic.

“Last year we were so busy but the kitchen wasn’t big enough to cope with demand, so we’ve extended our kitchen which is amazing.

“The community has really stuck with us and I can’t thank them enough.

“And my husband and children Charlotte and Tom too, they keep me going.”

To celebrate their first year anniversary, The Courtyard is giving away raffle tickets today, tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday with winners being selected to win prizes such as two free breakfasts, paninis or cakes depending on the day.

Every visitor today is also getting a free slice of birthday cake.