Bake to the future at the Red House Cone

A new coffee shop is set to open at a historical visitor attraction in Wordsley next month.

Baker and business owner Zoe Konopka, will be opening her coffee shop at the Red House Glass Cone this October.

Zoe has more than a decade of experience in the hospitality industry and already runs the 'Heavenly Baking' coffee shop and tea rooms at Walsall Garden Centre.

With a passion for both baking and heritage, Zoe is making the most of the location and focusing on bringing out the coffee shop’s historic details. Currently she is stripping back the unit to reveal the bare brickwork, cobbled floor, leaded windows and fireplace.

The counter has been relocated along the back wall creating a more open space which will be filled with sofas, comfy chairs, traditional wooden chairs and tables made for the venue from a local timber supplier.  

This local ethos continues into the food itself, as she aims to source the majority of her produce within a 60-mile radius to support local suppliers and reduce food miles.

Zoe also believes in using baking to help young people on the path to a career and independence. She works with local colleges to provide placements and work experience for catering and hospitality students and has a particular interest in supporting young people with additional needs, including autism.

Zoe said: “I have always loved baking and it’s been wonderful to make this my career and be able to employ people to develop those same skills.

“I love creating and serving delicious food to people in a beautiful, relaxed setting. The history and heritage of the site and the enthusiasm of the site staff is a match made in heaven for Heavenly Baking.

"My team can’t wait to share their baking skills with visitors to the Red House Glass Cone when we open our doors next month.”

Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for neighbourhoods said: “I know Zoe is busy preparing the site ahead of opening, when she’ll be swapping her paintbrush for a pastry brush.

"I can’t wait to visit Heavenly Baking at the Red Houe Cone Coffee House and sample some delicious local fare.”

Zoe and her team produce a wide range of cakes, traybakes, and biscuits, all of which are set to feature on the menu at the Red House Cone. She will also be offering traditional breakfasts featuring Lashfords sausages, as well as light lunches, cakes, afternoon teas and a wide range of teas and coffees. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options will be available and dogs are welcome.

As part of the launch, Heavenly Baking is currently recruiting for front-of-house and kitchen roles. Interested applicants can send their CVs to zoe@heavenlybaking.co.uk.