Bexhill cafe recommended‘little gem’ wins accolade

Audrey Lapworth, who owns and single-handedly runs Strawberry’s Cafe in Eversley Road, said she was “delighted” to win the Certificate of Excellence.

Audrey opened the cafe two years ago and says though hard work, it’s a dream come true. “Strawberry’s is open six days a week from 8am to 3pm and I haven’t had a holiday since it opened! I run it single handed - I do everything. All the food is home-cooked; cakes, sausage rolls, roast dinners, all cooked just like what mum used to make - I imagine that’s why I won the certificate.”

Prior to taking up the helm at Strawberry’s, Audrey worked in the catering trade but wanted a change from managing eateries for other people. She said: “A friend mentioned that a cafe had become vacant in Bexhill. I went to look round, found out who was leasing it and took it on that day.”

Along with home-cooked food Audrey says her cafe is special. “There’s just four tables inside and three outside - customers say they like the atmosphere. It’s like a little community and a unique corner of town.”

In the previous two years Audrey received ‘recommended’ certificates from Tripadvisor but says to be awarded the Certificate of Excellence is a real bonus. “I’m thrilled because it’s all about customers reviews. I’m not in it to make money, I’m in it because I love what I do.”

Strawberry’s is ranked 17 out of 75 Bexhill restaurants on Tripadvisor and lists 33 reviews. Helen M said: “Amazing home- cooked food, one of Bexhill’s lovely seaside delights. Always welcomed with a smile.” And Carole from Hampshire, Tennessee, says: “We came across this lovely place whilst visiting Bexhill and had the breakfast and we were not disappointed, yummy and very good value.”

Congratulating Certificate of Excellence recipients, Tripadvisor says: “These outstanding restaurants from around the world are being honoured because they consistently impress travellers. The Certificate of Excellence is a real source of pride for hospitality professionals because it’s all determined by traveller reviews and ratings on Tripadvisor.” www.tripadvisor.co.uk