Park Road Cafe celebrates six years in business

Park Road Cafe opened in March 2017 and has since been the go-to spot for many locals.

Victoria Smith-Latham formerly ran a deli on Boundary Road before opening her own cafe on Park Road.

The business soon took off, and despite facing a pandemic and the current cost of living crisis, the cafe remains open to celebrate six years of serving the community.

Discussing the milestone, Victoria said: "It’s amazing to be celebrating six years of being open, the time has flown by, but it’s thanks to all our fantastic customers for supporting us and my brilliant staff that we’ve come this far.

"When we get even the tiniest amount of praise it’s an amazing feeling, so to have so much praise and support just gives a real boost and makes me want to keep doing more to keep getting better."

READ > Coffee shop opens in Newton-le-Willows as store expands

The 31-year-old also explained how the business came about following her dad’s path-changing purchase, and how the cafe faced a difficult period during the pandemic.

She added: "My dad bought this land and wanted to build a cafe on it, so I opened my own business here.

Victoria opened the cafe on Park Road following five years at her former deli (Image: St Helens Star)

"Over the pandemic, we had to close firstly, then only do takeout.

"It did pick up again, but we were then hit with the cost-of-living crisis we have now.

"We've had to look around different suppliers and have had to increase stuff on the menu, but it’s still busy."

The cafe has also attracted attention from locals for its seasonal decorations, with Victoria’s mum crafting displays fit for each season.

The most recent was a Winter Wonderland display, which received a positive response from customers.

The family-run business also regularly hosts charity evenings, with Victoria detailing the importance of offering these events.

Victoria regularly holds charity events at the cafe (Image: St Helens Star)

The mum-of-two said: "I think it’s very important because I’m very fortunate in my life, so it feels good to me to give a bit back and help where we can.

"We also do the warm hub every week in Parr and send soup and hot drinks there."

As a thank you to its customers, Park Road Cafe will offer giveaways to customers today, Monday, March 6, with these offers including free hot drinks and meals.