The Deli & Cafe has moved!

Wed 26 Nov, 18:51

Thank you Janet, 

I now see the opening hours on trip advisor are wrong! It's where the 2 pm comes from. But 3 p.m. is also too early. 

Wed 26 Nov, 18:49 (last edited on Wed 26 Nov, 18:49)

Thanks for the correction there, Janet!

As the only current director (applications invited!) of the Deli & Café, I personally welcome the notion of a retail only food shop with a wider range than the D & C could ever manage.  There are several reasons why it couldn’t but not least the ‘mixed use’ in a relatively small space.

 The D & C is indeed now in a transitional state, in more ways than one – and now that we’ve made the move into the Corner House, we'll be looking very shortly at the opening hours, at least between now and Christmas, as well as what we’ll be offering both in the café and on the retail side.  The hours were reduced ‘over the road’ largely to suit the times customers were coming in – no business can be sustainable without them!  But obviously, in a new venue and with new businesses opening near us, that needs to be looked at again.

 More widely, the D & C has always been ‘community owned and run’ since its inception in 1991 – no-one has ever been paid a dividend and the directors have always been volunteers.  By moving into the Corner House we are really making a statement of a wider commitment to that community, with any profits the business makes being used for the community’s benefit.  To that end, I expect a review of the business structure to be undertaken in the New Year.

 We have a shareholders’ meeting next week (4^th at 7.30) so I’ll say no more here, save that I have decided the time has finally come (after two postponements!) for me to stand down as a director – so do please get in touch if you might be interested in helping to take things forward.

Wed 26 Nov, 17:07

The Deli closes at 3pm not 2pm though last orders for lunch are 2.30.

Wed 26 Nov, 15:49

I realise that the Deli is in transition, but the new opening hours (8.30 - 2 pm) each weekday and Saturdays mean I am unlikely to eat or even shop there on a regular basis. So I am not going to suggest new meals and snacks for the menu. I just want it open for longer!

Before the move, the hours had changed from closing at 4 pm to closing at 3 pm which already meant that I had ruled it out as a place to meet up with friends who were visiting Charlbury from London or elsewhere. Such a shame. The new hours also meant that I was much less likely to shop there. 

The Missing Bean stays open until 4 pm (not that I have yet used it), and I do feel that the opening hours need to be reconsidered if you are hoping to compete with the proposed new shop and also The Missing Bean. 

Wed 26 Nov, 12:29

I really enjoy the savoury pies, quiches and samosas you can eat in or take away at the Deli. Not to mention the delicious cakes! I’d love to see more vegetarian options and some cooked meals, maybe a macaroni cheese or a veggie stew for a cold winter’s day. So (and not in competition with Chloe but co-operation) what do other people enjoy most about the Deli and what new things would you like to see on the menu?

Tue 25 Nov, 10:15 (last edited on Tue 25 Nov, 10:19)

There will be a Shareholders’ Meeting on Thursday 4 December at 7.30pm in our new home, the Corner House (Morris room), both to update shareholders on our present position and for a preliminary discussion of the future of the business. 

Anyone who might like to become a director, whether or not a shareholder, is invited to attend the meeting and stand for election.  Please contact Rod Evans on rod@charlburydeli.cafe for an initial discussion.  Likewise anyone who might like to join our current 'advisory board'.

Fri 7 Nov, 12:37

So many lovely comments coming in from customers, old and new!  It's really taking off, some finishing touches still needed - and shelves clearing so please keep coming - even I am being badgered about Christmas...

Two small requests - a free coffee at least for anyone who can teach me how to use Mailchimp more effectively (and a general IT helper/advisor could be useful) and...

I know that parking is a vexed issue - but could we leave this thread as just for the D & C and argue about roads and parking in the Roads section, where it should be?  See especially the thread on Parking Restrictions affecting local Businesses...  I can't say any more here now can I?!

And by all means let us have feedback on info@charlburydeli.cafe or write to me personally at rod@charlburydeli.cafe.

Wed 5 Nov, 20:29

Goodness what a transformation crossing the road has made to the Deli.  It has such a cosy and welcoming vibe, which will make you want to linger to buy little delicacies and treats, when time allows.  I only picked up a delicious coffee on my way to work, but will look forward to relaxing there, when time allows.  Well done to ALL THE TEAM that made it happen.

Wed 5 Nov, 16:05

I understand the publicans across the road intend to take over the previous Deli premises. Maybe they can then move the food storage fridges from their car parking area and then restore their parking area back to the 15 spaces that was there before thus adding seven spaces to the massive need of parking spaces needed in downtown Charlbury.

Wed 5 Nov, 12:49

I wanted to be first through the door this morning, and I was successful! I had a lovely Bacon Roll and Coffee Breakfast, and it was a great way to start the day. Thank you very much to Geraldine, Laura and all the others who have worked so hard to give us this wonderful asset. 

I shall be back ... as I hope will everyone in Charlbury! 

Wed 5 Nov, 12:24

Hear hear!  There's a real air of excitement about it all:  a great step forward.  From the Corner House perspective we're so pleased to have the building more fully used .. and so very much in keeping with its history.

More good things will follow -- in particular the Morris Room upstairs will become a lovely space in two or three weeks' time to enjoy a (take-away) coffee or whatever and to read a book or magazine as you do so.

Wed 5 Nov, 12:23

Mission (almost) impossible completed with flying colours ! Cosy for the winter and it will be beautiful in the garden when weather permits. Well done all those involved.

Wed 5 Nov, 12:16

Absolutely wonderful effort! Congratulations to all concerned. It is a fine, comfy and friendly space and all light and airy. Well done!

Tue 4 Nov, 18:51 (last edited on Tue 4 Nov, 20:21)

                     COR BLIMEY GUV’NOR, WE’VE ONLY BEEN AN’ GORN AN’ DONE IT! 

Yes folks, remember, remember the 5^th of November

Coffee, fridges and flowerpot

(well you try finding a rhyme for

Gunpowder, treason and plot!).

 Your very own Deli and Café is re-opening as planned tomorrow morning in the Corner House! 

 We might call it cosy – meaning smaller premises but we think you’ll like them.  Lots still to do so bear with us, reduced menu etc for now but no beans gone missing and we’ll be working on it – evolution not revolution as we find out what works, what you like and don’t like etc.  Christmas stock already appearing on the shelves along with all our usual goodies – call in and see, we need your support – and to clear some space!!

 Our thanks must go to the small army – more like a squad, not quite a platoon – of people who have worked really hard to get us to this point, a mention in dispatches at least, perhaps something else (talk to Laura!) as a thank you.

 NB  We’ll get some signs up soon but entrance will be from the rear door – best route off Browns Lane – not the front door for Cornerstone. 

 And as ever, we have been and will continue to be

                                                 Community owned, Community run since 1991