The first thing that needs doing in the morning is to switch on all the appliances. Making sure that we have enough cakes in stock for the day is the next on my list, all our cakes are made in house so we’re always well-stocked. We get lots of compliments on our cakes, pop in if you haven’t tried one yet.

Next, it’s time to check the grind of the coffee – daily temperature fluctuations and other factors can affect a coffee grind throughout the day, so it’s really important to do regular checks - we’re very meticulous in ensuring we serve that perfect cuppa every time.

At 10am, it’s time to open up. We serve breakfast from 10 until 12. Some of the popular choices on the menu is our avocado and poached egg on toast, oh and of course - our giant tea cakes.

From 11:30am until 3pm, our main lunch menu is available. Afternoon teas and high teas need to be booked 24 hours in advance and are available between 12 and 4pm Monday to Saturday. Coffee, tea and cakes are available at all times.

I’ve always had an interested in hospitality, I’m a bubbly, sociable person and tend to get on with everyone.

Originally from Shrewsbury, I started waitressing when I was 15 years old. Since then, I’ve had experience in bartending and silver service for weddings. I relocated to Aberystwyth a few years back and started my own printing business (more about that later on!). At the same time, I also secured the role as supervisor here. I was told regularly that I was good in my role - this really boosted my confidence in my capabilities which ultimately gave me the push that I needed to go for the Manager’s role.

When the Council took over ownership of the café towards the end of 2018, I succeeded in getting the Manager’s role. I’ve loved being part of this exciting new venture from the very beginning.

I’ve had really good support and mentorship, enabling me to settle in to the role. It can be challenging, of course but it’s given me the opportunity to gain new skills, such as managing staff, bookkeeping and project planning.

I take pride in ensuring that the café is a success; knowing that the customers are happy and are receiving the best service is what drives me. It’s lovely to see so many of our customers return daily for their favourites.

I’m a Welsh learner, as is a couple of my staff here. If a customer starts talking to me in Welsh, I make every attempt to keep the conversation going in their mother tongue; our customers really appreciate that effort and always show encouragement. We have a lot of Welsh learners come in on a regular basis - the café’s an ideal opportunity to practise real everyday Welsh – a nice change from the classroom environment.

It’s not just Welsh we hear being spoken in the café, our customers come from all corners of the world. As the Tourist Information Centre is situated here, we meet lots of people who may be visiting Ceredigion for the first time. Lately, I’ve talked to tourists from New Zealand, Germany and Japan – it’s great to hear about their adventures and what brings them here – they always say how different Ceredigion is from anywhere else in the world – they love our uniqueness.

We also get lots of groups from the local community meet up at the café - our play vintage café corner is a big hit with both children and the occasional adult!

We can accommodate coach trips, birthday parties and cater for larger catering events too – did you know that the museum is now a licenced wedding venue. It’s been lots of fun being part of the tasting sessions in the run-up to some weddings that are to be held this year.

As Manager, I’m also am in charge of the marketing side of the cafe – managing our Facebook page, designing leaflets, tokens and vouchers. It’s handy that I already have experience with designing products; in my own time, I run a small design and print business, ‘Self-addiction designs’ where I print onto t-shirts, cups and placemats. I also do commission work and have created logos for local businesses. I love that I can be creative both in and outside of work.

With summer approaching, I’m excited to announce that during July we’ll be making our menu more accessible by introducing ‘Beach boxes’ – biodegradable takeaway packaging that will allow customers to buy anything from our menu, including smoothies, milkshakes to enjoy outside at the beach or at the park, so customers can make the most of any summer sun coming our way.

Follow the café on Facebook - Coliseum Coffee House, Ceredigion Museum, Aberystwyth for the latest news and offers.
www.ceredigionmuseum.wales

26/07/2019