Quirky Doncaster cafe wants to thank customers for supporting them through lockdown

The Dainty Doris cafe in Norton is known for its vintage decor and homemade scones.

Owner Rachel Clarke from Walden Stubbs says that she has received an incredible amount of support from customers during the lockdown.

She said: “It was such an emotional day when we had to close for lockdown, all of the staff members were in tears.

“Since then the people of Norton have been rallying around and asking what they can buy to put money in our till.

“We have people putting £30 that would usually spend a week here into our bank account because they want us to stay open.”

Rachel said that there has been a real community effort around the cafe during the pandemic and that she doesn’t have the words to be able to express how thankful she is.

“One street in the village puts their order in together - they send one person in with all their cake requests and then go and deliver it house by house,” she said.

“People are buying vouchers for when we can properly reopen and relatives of elderly customers who are currently shielding have been coming in to get their favourite cakes for them.”

The cafe opened four years ago and has continuously grown and expanded, even winning an award for having the best afternoon tea in the East Side Restaurant of the year awards.

They are currently open for takeaway cake and coffee but will be launching a full menu next week.

Rachel said: “The kindness of people has really blown us away.

“People don’t realise that stopping by for a cup of coffee really does make a difference to us.

“Small businesses are so fragile right now and to see supporting local people and thinking about one another is great.”

The cafe is open Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm.

Orders can be placed in advance on 01302 707986.

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