Frome’s first coffee house Café La Strada is marking a major milestone as it celebrates its 21st anniversary next month.
A local favourite, known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, great coffee, cakes, pastries, breakfasts, lunches, light bites and ice cream and much more, has established itself as a go-to destination in Frome.
“We’ve got a special weekend planned from Friday 2nd June, our birthday, to Sunday 4th June with music, balloons, festivities and a free ice cream for all Frome Times’ readers with a voucher valid only on the 2nd,” said owners Jude & Steve.
“It’s our way of saying thank you to all our customers and to the fabulous Frome community who have supported us for the past 21 years!
“We are thrilled to be celebrating our ‘coming of age’. It’s been an incredible journey, and we owe our success to all of our dedicated staff (old & new) and loyal customers who have made us a part of their lives.”
Jude opened the cafe at the top of Cheap Street in June 2002 after seeing the premises empty for six years.
“I loved the building and walked past it every day and knew it would make a great cafe. I kept thinking, ‘please somebody do it.’ Then a friend of mine said, ‘For God’s sake, Jude, stop going on about it; you do it! Thankyou Carol! I can’t believe that was 21 years ago.
“It was difficult trying to fit in all the ideas I had into our small medieval building which had no running water or drainage facilities but then 13a became available next door and we extended into that. Two years later, we also extended again into No. 14 Cheap Street. Café La Strada was complete.”
Regular patrons have expressed their affection for the café, praising not only its delicious offerings, but also the friendly staff and warm welcome. From morning regulars who rely on their daily dose of caffeine to families enjoying weekend brunches, lunches or a light bite from the counter, Café La Strada has become an integral part of the local community.
“It’s like having an extended family, we are now serving the children of the children we served 21 yrs ago!! Now that makes us feel old!
“The cafe is a wonderful hub to bring the community together, to meet, to socialise and to enjoy great coffee and great food.
“We still offer illy coffee which we’ve done for 21 years because of its quality; people know they’re going to get that quality and consistency every single time, which is very important.
“We make all our own cakes, pastries and savouries and cook everything fresh using the best local ingredients – and that includes our own ice cream Senso, which uses organic milk and cream from the Jersey herd at Ivy House in Beckington.
“Trademarked in 2007, our Senso Italian-style ice cream is all made on the premises. We offer an array of seasonal flavours which include wonderful sorbets and vegan choices. Most of our ice creams are also gluten free.
“It’s been a tough three years for all of us, the pandemic certainly, if anything has taught us to be more humble, more grateful and more loving toward our fellow man. Let’s look forward to a more positive future for our special town of Frome.
“We’re planning a big weekend on the 2nd-4th June with music and lots of celebrating. And, of course, there’s free ice cream!
“Lets party!! It will be great to see you all there!”
