Spotlight On...

In this month's Spotlight feature we talk to Annie Drew, who has recently opened up The Feed Room in Raskelf.

1. When did you start your business? 

Opened on 26 July 2019

2. What led you to start a business/how did it all begin?

As a child I always said I would have a tea room. In December 2018 the tenants moved out of the building and I started that childhood dream again...The Feed Room was now happening.  Right up until I opened I didn’t really think it would as it was just a dream!! I am open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

3. What do you like about Thirsk?    

I just love Thirsk. I moved to here 32 years ago to work for Karen and Graham Fletcher, fell in love with the place and stayed in Carlton Miniott. I moved to Raskelf 2 years ago but that’s still close enough. Thirsk has a good selection of shops, restaurants, cafes, museums, manufacturing and service industry businesses in and around town. Thirsk is thriving. Friendly people that are passionate about where they live.

4. What is your most popular product/service? 

Being a café its hard to say – I think the most popular dish is the Farmer Bells Breakfast – Full English with toast. Quality locally produced products are key for a good breakfast but our cakes are not too bad. All home baked using our own Village Farm Eggs and garden produce if possible – apples and courgette. The courgette and lime cake is lush. Using carrots, leaves, onions, beans and fruit from the garden is important to us.

5. What other local business do you support? 

In the cafe I use all the local people in and around Easingwold,  butchers, local wines, baker. The Little Marmalade Kitchen from Alne, Pucketts Pickles from Easingwold. I support Yorkshire Feathers, Halo Candles and cards these three all produce their goods in Raskelf. I always try and source things locally and the shopping area in The Feed Room proves this. I also use The Pantry in Thirsk (lovely cake and people), Luke Millers, Johnsons Butchers, Humphrey and Tilly, Well Heeled, Dawn Caroline Photography and many more…..sorry if I have missed you off!! 

6. What is the best part of your job? 

For me the best part is the people. Locals and passing trade – everyone has a tale to tell and I love it.

7. What is the best piece of advice you would offer a new business in Thirsk? 

Follow your dream, don’t let others put you off and if it feels right do it. Know your client/customer base and don’t try and be something you’re not as people see right through you. Customer service is paramount. 

8. Fun/amazing fact about your business people might not know? 

The first booking I took before I had even opened was for a 100th birthday party. 

9. Favorite book/famous person that inspires you? 

I don’t read or like books….true fact!! My grandmother (she was famous in Yarm) inspired me. She worked hard, always had a smile for people and drove like she was a formula 1 driver. 

10. What does the future look like for your business? 

It’s a wise person that knows what the future holds but if The Feed Room can grow over the next couple of years I will be one happy lady.

Thank you Annie for being our November Member in the spotlight. The Feed Rooms will be hosting our first breakfast networking event on Friday 17 January 2020. More details to follow soon.

If you would like to featured your business in our SPOTLIGHT ON feature, please email thirsk.business@gmail.com