Much-loved Leighton Buzzard cafe The Pantry marks its Happy Return

Much-loved Leighton Buzzard cafe, The Pantry is celebrating its Happy Return after being filled with excited customers since its reopening on April 12.

The business is proud to have a new gazebo at the top of its garden, plenty of delicious food for customers, and of course its doggy treat station for furry visitors.

Its aviary of rescue birds are also pleased to welcome back the community, with one of the canaries having "found his singing voice!"

Owner of The Pantry, Tina Deane, told the LBO: "We have been absolutely heaving. It's lovely, and we have been very lucky with the weather.

"People were saying that they couldn't wait to come back and have our in-house cakes, and we have also got vegan and gluten-free food on the menu, which has been going down really well.

"We do some lovely vegan sandwiches with jackfruit, and people have been enjoying our vegan and veggie breakfast."

The pandemic has meant that it's been a tough year for the town's businesses, but determined to make the best out of a bad situation, Tina decided to use the time during the first lockdown to have the garden block paved.

Before its opening, the cafe was also delivering popular graze boxes, including breakfast waffle boxes, and afternoon teas. They also had a tasty treat box for Valentine's Day.

Feeling positive about the future, Tina said: "I think the town has been busier, with people working from home and going on their daily exercise.

"There's been a lot of people that we haven't seen before and we are getting new customers."

On Sunday, The Pantry was delighted to hold a wine tasting evening, and Tina is planning to hold similar events in the future and also get a permanent alcohol licence.

She has her sights set on booking live music performances, too.

Meanwhile, the dogs of LBO land will soon be in for a treat as the cafe owner is launching a healthy ice-cream for canines in May.

Tina concluded: "Thank you to all our lovely customers. It's been lovely to see familiar faces again.

"Thank you to my staff. They have all worked so hard, and it's been incredibly busy which is amazing."

Customers can enjoy another wine tasting evening on May 30, and visitors should also look out for more beautiful flower paintings by local artist Willow Beggs.

Telephone: 01525 851086 or visit The Pantry on Facebook.