Woodbridge chef launches pop up café at Melton Playing Field after coming up with idea in Covid-19 pandemic

A Suffolk chef is preparing to launch her first pop up café, a project she has been planning since the Covid-19 lockdown.

Joanna Smythe, 46 of Woodbridge, will open the eatery at the new pavilion at Melton Playing Fields tomorrow and will serve light bites and sweet treats from 8.30am to 12.30pm Saturday and Sunday.

Formerly an events chef at Fynn Valley Golf Club in Witnesham, and having recently launched her own brand Dolly Bird Kitchen, Ms Smythe is looking forward to learning what her customers want and updating menus according to their preferences.

"It is really all about the community, and learning what the customers would like," she said.

"As the weeks and months go on and the weather changes I am excited to offer different things for them."

Currently on the menu are handmade treats like cakes and sausage rolls, cheese and bacon turnovers as well as bacon and sausage baps.

Ms Smythe said she expects many of her customers will be those bringing their children to weekend football matches or those walking their dogs in the area.

"I walk my dog there myself, and that is how I came up with the idea - it would be great to stop for a cup of tea or a bite to eat on your route," she said.

"I am ready and I am really excited and everybody at the football club is really pleased about it opening.

"I've had a lot of amazing support, a lot of people wishing me good luck and a lot of people saying 'lets go down and grab a cup of tea' which is really good to see.

"I am nervous, of course, but I am really looking forward to it," she added.

The café will be open from 8.30am tomorrow morning. It will be open 8.30am to 12.30pm every weekend.