A new cafe has enjoyed a successful start to life at a consortium of village businesses.

Melissa and Carl Hewitt have reopened the cafe and restaurant area at Greenstead Green Barn following its closure in January.

The couple say they are working closely with the other businesses at the barn to ensure their newly opened cafe has a secure future.

Mrs Hewitt said: “It’s been a fantastic first week. The response from everyone has been extremely positive and the other businesses are really happy we have opened.

“Not many people know about the pottery and the other shops around here so it’s helping to raise their profiles as well.

“We are all working together. It’s important we help each other out and promote Greenstead Green Barn as a place for people to come.” The cafe, which opened on Monday, April 16, has been fully refurbished and is sharing the Grade II listed barn with the Post Office and Carousel Pre-Loved.

The move means the businesses can share the cost of business rates for the barn. Previous cafe owner Mark Grant suggested it was the cost of rates which forced him to close the business back in January.

The closure lead to a decline in footfall for many of the others businesses on the site.

Now reopened under the Hewitts, the cafe is employing eight members of staff and Mrs Hewitt says there are plans to increase the workforce.

She said: “We want to get the garden fixed up and then if we keep on getting lots of customers we can look at employing more people.”

Alongside drink and food, the cafe can be booked for parties and gatherings. Visit greensteadbarncafe.co.uk