Rob and Sarah Armytage run the Wicker Cafe, and over the last 12 years have seen a lot of changes in the clientele and fashions of the area.
Their café is compact but friendly and combines an attractive display with a welcoming environment. Customers can eat in or take out. Rob also does a delivery service and buffets.
Rob tells me he has seen lots of the old industry move away from the back streets and hopes that the new offices and flats will fill up and regenerate the Wicker area. The change is reflected in what customers are asking for; Rob says:
“We’re changing our menu from being a greasy spoon to selling a selection of coffees, paninis and home-made cakes every day.”
Before coming to the Wicker Café, Rob and Sarah (trained at catering college), used to run the Pinegrove Country Club at Stannington – in its heyday, well before it ran into administration and got burnt down. At the time it was massively popular; Rob and Sarah were glad to get away from an 80-hour week and run their own place. They also took on the Banner’s Café at Attercliffe but had to give this up when Sarah had a stroke and brain haemorrhage at the age of 39.
Rob admits to being one of the businesses that did well from the long-running improvements on the Wicker, with the café being very popular with site workers. It’s a quiet January now but Rob and Sarah’s skill in adapting to what customers ask for will stand them in good stead.
Cafe open
Monday to Friday, 7am – 2pm
0114 272 7064