OPENING in Crediton in December will be the very first Cheese Café in the country.

The Cheese Café@Penny's Pantry is the inspiration of well-known local catering business owner, Penny Pearkes, from Newton St Cyres.

Penny and her husband, Tim, have been busy making plans for the new business which will not only sell more than 100 local and continental cheeses, but also include a café serving delicious refreshments all-day long.

The Cheese Café will open at 11-12 High Street, Crediton, premises formerly occupied by Packer and Son butchers.

Penny explained that there will be a delicatessen selling a vast range of cheeses, hand carved traditional hams, olives, Red Ruby beef pasties, pies, continental meats and other local produce.

The Cheese Café will offer a range of cheese, pâté or ham platters, home-made soups, daily specials such as Stilton sausages with "Cheesy Mash", salad items for the figure conscious, vegetarian and gluten free products.

Customers will be able to take away coffees and croissant for breakfast or sit and enjoy tea with a variety of cakes; a selection of Fruit Smoothies, local apple juice and freshly squeezed orange juice to order. Penny has run Penny's Parties since 2004, a business which provides a superior catering service for parties and functions.

She also produces an extensive range of delicious award winning pâtés made using fresh ingredients that are predominantly sourced from local produce.

With Tim, she has been a regular face at their stall selling products at many local farmer and produce markets in the area, including the Crediton Farmers' Market, Mid Devon Show and Devon County Show.

Penny previously had a tremendously successful 23-year career as a professional international opera singer.

Penny explained that the doors will soon be open at The Cheese Café@Penny's Pantry, after which all will be made warmly welcome.

alan-quick@crediton

couriernewspaper.co.uk