Consett café celebrates sweet success

A Consett-based coffee and dining business is serving up growth and community engagement.

Sweet Things Coffee, Bar and Kitchen opened its new purpose-built premises at Regents Park in March, becoming one of four businesses to move into Amethyst Homes’ retail units. 

Since opening its doors, Sweet Things has expanded its offerings, hosting themed evenings, live music, corporate events and family celebrations, with food and drinks now served until 9pm.

The growth has allowed co-owner James, fiancé of founder Katie Peters, to leave his full-time role at a supermarket to focus on the business, supporting a team of 14 local employees. 

Katie, who has four years’ experience running her own business and previously worked as an area manager for a global coffee brand, continues to oversee daily operations and customer experience.

She said: “Moving premises has been a game changer for us. 

“We had a loyal customer base at our previous café in the centre of town, but our location now has opened the door to more passing trade, and we have lots of customers visiting from the housing estate and the local Derwent Walk.

“It has been really exciting for us to extend our menu and events offering, which in turn has created more opportunities for our team and the local residents.

“There is something for everyone at Sweet Things, Coffee, Bar and Kitchen, from sweet treats and excellent local coffee from Fika – another local business that we work closely with – to a variety of breakfast and lunch options and a Friday early evening menu with live entertainment from local North East based musicians.

“We are also a dog friendly venue and have ample parking and an outdoor seating area – with a view – for those warmer days or winter sunsets!”

Amethyst Homes, which built the Regents Park units, has delivered over 590 properties across the North East, maintaining a five-star customer satisfaction rating and multiple industry awards.

Richard Bass, managing director at Amethyst Homes, added: “This is the first time we have built retail units as part of a housing development, so it is incredibly rewarding to see Katie’s business and the other three retail units enjoying success.

“The area has benefited from significant investment over the years, which has not only delivered much needed housing to the area but also created training and employment opportunities as well as supporting local organisations, charities and the community.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →