Red-hot idea proves popular with patrons
A cafe owner in Shropshire has come up with a novel way to keep his customers warm in the freezing weather – by handing out hot water bottles.
Paul Wynn, who runs Alfresco Kitchen outdoor cafe in Whitchurch, said the individual source of warmth has proved 'a real ice breaker'. Some have even gone to leave forgetting they still had the bottles.
The cafe, on Wrexham Road, opened in the spring and Mr Wynn said he had to come up with the idea to keep his customers warm as the winter sets in.
He will be getting outdoor heaters installed next week but said the hot water bottles had proved popular with his regulars so far.
He said: "For most of the year the weather is not an issue but as the festive season approaches we found a solution to the frosty days and provide our customers with a lovely, warm, hot water bottle to keep them cosy.
"Our customers love it and it certainly proves to be a real ice-breaker.
"We've been doing it for 10 days and the ladies especially think it is very good.
"They are putting them under their coats and walking off with them if they can.
We've had to stop some to remind them they've got the hot water bottle.
"We are going to get some outdoor heaters but it was that cold last week we had to do something ."
Mr Wynn has five hot water bottles so far but said he is planning on investing in more so he can offer them to more customers.
"We'll still offer customers the hot water bottles when we get the heaters in," he added.
"We have got an enclosed shelter but it is all open plan at the front so it can get quite cold."
The cafe, which is set in the countryside, has room for 12 customers but also offers a takeaway service.
It serves locally sourced food and has toilets and parking as will as a small play area for children.
