Ice cream cafe to turn up heat

Owners of the Cow Shed in Penwortham have asked the council to agree a change of use to a cafe/coffee shop so they can become part of the “ever-growing cafe culture” in the town all year round.

“The Feisty Cow ice cream that we supply is simply delicious, which is why the Cow Shed is so busy during the summer,” said Emma Rooke in a statement to South Ribble’s planning committee.

“In the winter, however, the ice cream shop’s turnover plummets every year. I believe this is solely due to the fact that the ice cream shop doesn’t have a licence to manufacture or sell hot food.

“I agree that if a simple hot food menu was to be developed and introduced to the shop then more folk would visit the Cow Shed all year round.

“I am a young female entrepreneur and, in terms of social trends, I envision Penwortham to be the new Rome. Over the last decade cafe culture has rocketed and I believe the Cow Shed should be part of the ever-growing trend.”

Emma wants to introduce items like soups, bacon and sausage sandwiches, pies, pastries and afternoon teas on the menu.

Their award-winning Feisty Cow ice cream is made locally on a farm in Much Hoole.

Penwortham has been booming over the past 12 months, with new venues for eating and drinking opening up, and more to come.

The Lime Bar cocktail lounge, the Tap and Vine micropub and BonBons coffee shop have all launched and planning consent has been granted for a cafe/restaurant in place of the Fireplace Shop.

Some businesses optimistcally see Penwortham as “the new Lytham” with plenty of outdoor seating now available along the main Liverpool Road. And more is expected when the new bypass opens next year, reducing traffic significantly.