Now is ‘best time’ to start - New cafe opens its doors in Elland

Julie Locke and Sue Jenkins have opened the Tea Monkey of Elland on Southgate, offering a gluten free menu in a dog-friendly setting.

The pair have always had a dream to open a small business together, and when Julie lost her job at the start of the coronavirus pandemic it seemed like now was the right time.

To some, starting a new business during a pandemic is unusual, but Julie said it’s a good time to start.

She said: “We are very optimistic that this is the best time to start a new business.

“If we can make a success of our business now, we can do it anytime.”

To start with, the cafe will be offering a takeaway service, with the plan to fully open on April 12, if Government restrictions allow.

The cafe will serve drinks, breakfasts, lunches, light snacks and a variety of pastries and cakes.

There will also be a gluten free menu as family members of both Julie and Sue have recently been diagnosed with celiac and they have realised how difficult it can be to eat out.

“We are providing a gluten free menu, as most places don’t offer this option,” said Julie.

“We have both realised how difficult it can be, being celiac and eat out.

“We feel this is very important for families to be able to eat out together.”

For more information on the new cafe, located on Southgate in Elland, visit www.theteamonkey.com.