Mayor visits Heavenly Bakes at the Red House Cone

The Mayor of Dudley called into a new coffee shop at the Red House Cone to meet the owners.

Baker and business owner Zoe Konopka, welcomed Cllr Pete Lee to her newly opened coffee shop at the historic site.

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. She has stripped back the whole 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 is 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, with the majority of her produce sourced 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: “It’s been a busy and exciting first week and it’s been lovely to be part of the cone’s half-term activities. Everyone’s been really welcoming, and visitors have been saying how pleased they are that there’s a café back on site.

“My team really enjoyed meeting the Mayor and Mayoress and sharing some of our delicious bakes with them.”

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Pete Lee said: “Zoe has done a marvellous job of transforming the coffee house into a contemporary café while maintaining a heritage feel. The food was absolutely heavenly and I’m sure Zoe’s food will prove a real hit with visitors.”

Zoe and her team produce a wide range of cakes, traybakes, and biscuits. The coffee shop also offers 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 are available and dogs are welcome.

The coffee shop is open Tuesday to Sunday between 10am and 4pm.