A café in Ottery St. Mary, which has only been open for eight months, has been named a finalist for the Exeter Living Awards 2022. The Coffee Bank is a finalist in the Café category, and the owners say they are delighted!

Louise Jones and Katie Kite run The Coffee Bank, which offers families and young children a space to relax and play, whilst enjoying drinks, cakes, sandwiches and toasties. There is a kitchen role play area, a baby pen and books and toys to entertain small children.

Louise told Nub News: "Even being considered is such an honour for us, being put through to the finals has been amazing, we are delighted!

"It feels like a recognition of the hard work we have put in paying off, for our vision becoming a reality and giving a space to all to enjoy within the community of Ottery and beyond.

"We have everything crossed for the finals on March 17th! So exciting!"

Louise and Katie are both mums of two. They decided to open The Coffee Bank after realising that there weren't enough community spaces for mums, carers and families to sit and relax whilst looking after their children at the same time.

Louise added: "We wanted to create a community space for parents, grandparents and care givers to allow children a safe play space for role play etc whilst enjoying a HOT cup of coffee and tasty piece of cake."

It is hoped that The Coffee Banks' nomination will put Ottery St. Mary on the map and attract visitors to the town, which also saw The Eco Baby Box nominated in the Sustainability category and Ottery St Mary Food and Families Festival nominated in the Events category.

The café also hosts events such as Film Nights, Themed Weeks and books readings, as well as raising money for their main charity, Hospiscare.

This week, local author Debra Wellington performed a book reading of her book, 'The Animal Says.'

Louise wanted to thank everyone for their support: "We look forward to the future growth of the shop and enjoyment of serving all our customers who have been so supportive and kind, we wouldn't be where we are if it wasn't for them."

The winners will be declared on March 17 at an event in Exeter.

The Coffee Bank is located at 6 Silver Street Ottery St. Mary.

You can find out more information about the café here

More information about the Exeter Living Awards is available here