New owner takes over independent Chichester café - ‘I’m excited but nervous’

Sandra’s, previously known as Spuddles, reopened for business at 6 Jay Walk, St Martin’s Street yesterday (Friday, July 17).

New owner Sandra Horforth bought the business from Tony and Glynis Buddle, who had taken the reigns in February. However, things didn’t go to plan for the couple due to the impact of roadworks and the coronavirus pandemic, so they decided to sell up.

Sandra, from Denvilles, Havant, who will be running the business with her partner Derek Hickman and his sister Julie Snelling, said: “It’s been a long time coming. We’ve had a few teething problems and were not able to open last week as planned.

“We’re open now and I’m excited but nervous because of the times. It’s a big risk.

“We will be taking it one order at a time.”

It is a new venture for Sandra who was made redundant from her role as a credit controller in Havant during lockdown.

However, Sandra, from a business-minded family, is fulfilling a lifelong dream.

“I thought it would be difficult to find a job,” she said. “I thought I would do something that’s mine.

“When I was younger, I wanted to own a café. I never thought it would happen during the coronavirus.

“It’s such a risk but I thought I would take the bull by its horns.

“I come from a family of business entrepreneurs. We have business in the blood.

“In the future, we might be able to employ some more people to help out. Create some local jobs to help people out the unemployment situation. We have all got to help each other.”

Sandra’s specialises in jacket potatoes, homemade soup, homemade cake and tray bakes such as millionaire shortbread.

Sandra said: “We will be keeping it healthy and home grown.

“We won’t be selling canned drinks or fried food.

“It’s important to support the small boys and girls, especially now.”

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