Nanny Eva's Bradford on Avon cafe dream is fulfilled (From Wiltshire Times)

Nanny Eva's Bradford on Avon cafe dream is fulfilled

11:36am Monday 24th August 2009 in News By Victoria Ashford

A woman’s dream of opening a traditional cafe has been realised by her granddaughter 13 years after her death.

Single mother-of-three Louisa Clarke, 35, has opened Eva’s Cafe in Westdale Park, Bradford on Avon, in memory of her nan Eva Clarke, who was known throughout the area for her market stalls in Trowbridge and Bradford, as well as her delicious traditional sponge cakes, among other things.

The cafe has been opened in time to commemorate the 13th anniversary of her grandmother’s death on August 24.

Ms Clarke, or Trowbridge Road, Bradford on Avon, said: “Nan really wanted a cafe. It shows she was a very forward thinking lady for her time.

“She taught me to cook and to bake cakes and everyone at my last job (Avon Rubber in Melksham) loved my cakes, especially my sponges.”

The cafe will serve a traditional menu in keeping with Nanny Eva’s tastes for dishes like quiche, cottage pie, fish and chip suppers and, of course, cakes and sponges.

“Nanny Eva was well-known to people in Bradford,” Ms Clarke said.

“She and my grandfather Charlie used to have market stall in Bath and then they moved to Jones Hill in Bradford.

“My grandfather then bought the field where Westdale Park is now on a handshake agreement with the farmer, as they did back then, and they built it up.

“My nan was busy on the market and didn’t get a chance to start up her own cafe but she had always wanted to set one up.

“She was a really friendly person and always lots of fun.”

Ms Clarke has three children; Nicholas, 17, Chloe, 14 and Courteney, 11, who is autistic.

She said: “Once people will know I am here I am sure they will come back because it is really peaceful.

“It looks a little like a beach hut. There is a little patio area outside and it is secluded.

“It is really good for my daughter Courteney; she comes and helps and she comes and goes when she wants really, but she loves the customers.”

Eva’s Cafe can be found at Westdale Park, joining Westdale Nurseries.

To mark the anniversary of Eva’s death, a donation will be made to Dorothy House Hospice for every cream tea bought over the bank holiday weekend.

The cafe is open daily from 9am to 5pm weekdays and 10am to 5pm weekends and bank holidays for cooked breakfasts, coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and Sunday lunch. Vegetarian options are available.