Café managers Natalie Piper (far left) and Josie Piper (far right) pictured with Marina Manager Philip Knowles and owner Linda Grocott

Our new waterside café has opened its doors this week and is the final piece in the jigsaw for the marina which has undergone a transformation following substantial investment by new local owners, David and Linda Grocott.

The refurbishment programme includes a dedicated marina office, chandlery, upgraded shower and toilet facilities, a new car park and enhanced boat repair and maintenance facilities.

The addition of the new 50-seater café will see the marina’s usage being extended beyond the boating community to local people who will now be able to enjoy a full selection of snacks and meals in picturesque surroundings. As David Grocott highlights:

“We have put a great deal of thought into getting our food offering right because we want to ensure that we cater for our marina residents, visitors on boats, local people, walkers and cyclists who will now be able to access the marina’s stunning location.

“The café is managed by Josie Piper and her team who also run the successful and established café at Sleap Airfield, near Wem.

“More generally, Linda and I are very proud that we have been able to invest in a local facility and beauty spot that was badly in need of a facelift. We really hope that the work we’ve carried out will breathe new life into this special area of Whixall.”

Opening hours for the café are 9.00am to 5.00pm, seven days a week. The menu features a range of breakfast options, soups, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, and a wide selection of main meals and desserts. There will also be drinks and cakes on offer for those seeking a lighter snack.

An outdoor seating terrace has also been added and the marina also features a picturesque village green, located next to the café, another area for visitors to enjoy drinks.