Stamford IBC welcomes its new caterer Mel Weston

Post date: Aug 9, 2017 9:57:24 AM

"Now I am looking for a new challenge," she says "and to serve the members at the indoor bowls club is an ideal opportunity I am really looking forward to."She comes from a family of cooks - both her mother Josie and father Peter serving in the Army. Mum was a pastry chef and still makes the cakes for her daughter's business while dad has provided food for many notable VIPs including her Majesty the Queen.Mel's daughter Shannon (18) - she also has sons Darren and Nathan aged 18 and 15 - will be head waitress as her mother plans to provide waitress service for match meals."In my view presentation is as important as taste so I plan to serve meals to the tables for matches as opposed to having members and guests queueing at the hatch. Bowls is a prestigious sport and I want everyone to enjoy a restaurant experience when they come to the Stamford club."She adds: "I have signed up to put as much effort as possible into this venture. I want to make it the hub of the club - to create an atmosphere for socialising, full of laughter and companionship."Mel is determined to play a key role in the team that runs Stamford IBC - liaising with director Anita Edwards - and has plans to introduce afternoon teas to coincide with bowling sessions, where members can socialise over a cuppa. She also plans theme nights to combine social bowling with the food she prepares. Proposed Sunday evening roll-up sessions could provide the ideal opportunity.Already christened, the Greens Cafe, Mel's catering operation, which she will run with 'front of house' colleague Viv Gale, has yet to finalise its opening hours. However, popular midweek lunches have already been established among summer bowlers and Mel expects these to continue through the winter season, together with Saturday morning snacks and pre-weekend match snacks.Sunday lunches are also being considered.Mel is determined to make a success of her new venture and her partnership with Stamford IBC."I am so pleased and grateful with the way the members have embraced me. All I want is to provide a socialising hub and provide food and service of a high standard. I am really looking forward to the new winter season."

Mel's arrival coincides with the purchase of new ovens, to replace those which have done valuable service since the club opened in 1991.

MEAL CHOICES

Typical lunchtime meals for £5 include: Scampi, chips and peas, ham or sausage egg & chips, all day breakfast, ploughman's, ham or cheese salad. Specials are available at £5.50 when the cafe is open.

For £4 choices include home made soup with a crusty roll or for £4.75 jacket potato with cheese, beans, coleslaw, tuna or chilli.

Sausage or bacon baps are available from £2.50, sandwiches from £3.

Hot plates on the new ovens - ready for the new season (Images by Alan Romaine).