Bake Off star opens Bold & Brave Caf?, bringing new life to Taunton …
Cakes and coffee are flowing at a new café in Taunton, after Bake Off star, Val Stones, officially opened Young Somerset’s latest venture.
The newly opened Bold & Brave Café, was opened by Bake Off contestant, and former Somerset headteacher, Val Stones on Saturday, June 17, at a once disused space within Taunton Library.
The café is an extension of the successful Bold & Brave shop launched nearly two years ago which began with the establishment of a shop in Taunton’s Independent Quarter, which quickly became a thriving community space for young people following its inception in October 2021.
The shop specialises in offering locally sourced, handmade gifts crafted by young artisans, while also providing support for Somerset’s youth to develop their own products, launch businesses, conduct workshops, and collaborate with community partners. Over the past 18 months, the shop has empowered 30 young entrepreneurs to sell their products and has welcomed nearly 40 young individuals for work experience, many of whom were previously not engaged in education, employment, or training.
Building upon the success of the shop, Young Somerset entered into an agreement with Somerset Council to expand their operations by taking over the café.
The café aims to provide a range of refreshments at affordable prices while also offering more opportunities, training, and qualifications to local young people. In an effort to support the local economy, the café has forged partnerships with esteemed suppliers such as Brazier Coffee Roaster from Wellington and Dough Bakers in Taunton, ensuring that patrons can enjoy high-quality, locally sourced food and beverages.
Val Stones, affectionately known as the “Cake Whisperer” and a beloved personality from the popular television show The Great British Bake Off, expressed her excitement about the café, stating: “I was invited about three weeks ago, and I thought it was just the kind of café I’d like to visit, and that’s why I’m here today. It’s a huge response this morning, with lots of people of all ages in attendance.
“This café will bring young people, older individuals, and the community together. Many visitors come to the library to browse and borrow books, and now they can also stop by for a coffee and a chat with the friendly café staff.
“It’s crucial for young people to engage in work, pursue their interests, and connect with others. This initiative will make them an integral part of the community and help them feel valued.”
Nik Harwood, the CEO of Young Somerset, highlighted the organisation’s mission and the rationale behind their café venture.
He said: “Young Somerset is a large youth work organization charity operating throughout the county. We provide mental health and wellbeing support to young people, targeting those with the highest levels of need, risk, and vulnerability, as well as offering alternative provision for individuals who may not thrive in mainstream education.
“Our goal is to help them build skills that will enable them to succeed through self-employment or other qualifications.”
The café opportunity arose from a chance conversation he had with Somerset Council’s Richard Selwyn during their 25th anniversary celebrations in November.
“The café had been closed for some time, and there was a desire to revive it as a community hub,” he said. “Richard asked if I would be interested in running it. Although I had no prior experience running a café, we evaluated the opportunity and recognised it as a natural extension of our Bold & Brave enterprise, providing another destination for young people to gain work experience, learn new skills, acquire qualifications, and boost their confidence.
“Moreover, this partnership aligns perfectly with our longstanding collaboration with the library service. It has been an intense six-month journey, starting from scratch with limited knowledge, but with tremendous support from the council and our own investments.
“We have tested and ensured that our supply chain remains as local as possible, supporting small businesses within Somerset. We have also prioritised training our staff in level three food hygiene to ensure a successful and safe opening.”
He continued: “We are thrilled with the positive response and encourage everyone to come and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the café. The space is buzzing, lively, light, and airy, offering great coffee and food at competitive prices.
“Additionally, being adjacent to the library grants instant access to a wealth of resources. This library is truly a modernized version of what I remember from my own youth. Gone are the days of silence; now you can enjoy your coffee, have a wonderful time with friends, and engage in lively conversations.”
David Elstone, the vice chairman of the trustees, expressed his enthusiasm for the new café, emphasising its significance for the library and the local community.
Elstone stated: “It’s incredibly exciting! The café had been closed for quite some time, so this will undoubtedly be a valuable addition to the library and the surrounding community. By providing a platform for young people to showcase their goods and talents, we are instilling in them a sense of belief and competitiveness in a real marketplace. As they continue to sell their products, they will undoubtedly improve and excel.”