The café, launched in 2009 by businesswoman Polly Plouviez, is a much-loved presence on Mill Road, selling local produce, handmade cakes, coffee, breakfasts, lunches and gifts to a large community of loyal customers. It’s also known for its evening events including tasty chocolate-making workshops, supper clubs and crafty bookbinding courses.
Polly originally came up with the idea for a city-centre farm shop selling local produce after working as an events manager at Audley End for English Heritage. She’s going to work for the City Council as Chesterton/Mitcham’s Corner Coordinator, and says of her time at Urban Larder:
“I’ve loved working on Mill Road and creating this hub in the heart of Romsey. I always wanted to run a place that looked after local food suppliers, local artists and local craftspeople, as well as supplying local produce to customers who are sick of supermarkets, their brands and the lack of choice, and I’ve done that. It’s been a lot of hard work but it’s been extremely rewarding. I will miss my customers and suppliers immensely but after six years it’s time to take up a new challenge.
“Duncan has the right vision for the Urban Larder. He’s going to look after everyone who has come to see the café as ‘their café’, to meet friends, relax, work and socialise. He is the right person to take over the business.”
Duncan relaunched Urban Larder in March and has been overwhelmed by the support he’s received from customers.
“I was a little apprehensive about taking over something that people know and love, but we’ve had a wonderful level of support from customers since we reopened in March,” says Duncan.
“We’re keeping the ethos the same, so there’s still an emphasis on great local food and produce, good coffee, and we still display work from local artists and crafters. We’ve just freshened the place up a bit.”
New offerings include a tempting range of hot chocolate (white, milk, dark or chilli chocolate), and how about a slice of home- made lemon or apple and cinnamon cake with that?
If Urban Larder is on your route to work, you’ll be glad to hear it’s now open at 7.30am on weekdays, serving Butterworth and Son coffee to get your day off to a sprightly start. Coffees are £1.50 before 11am on Takeaway Fridays. And for warmer days, try their blended iced coffees and smoothies.
There’s also a ‘guest toastie of the day’ on bread from the Jigsaw Bakery: past incarnations have included posh fish finger and grilled halloumi and slaw.
“We’ve got lots more plans in the pipeline, so watch this space!” says Duncan.
Twitter @UrbanLarder
