Angel Cafe in Diss changes hands

The owner of a popular Diss cafe has handed over the reigns to new owners.

Jane Trippett-Jones, has run the Angel Cafe in Baldry’s Yard, Fair Green, for the last four-and-a-half years.

Ms Trippett-Jones, 63, a former town councillor and mayor, is moving on from the cafe to spend more time with her mum, who lives in Hertfordshire.

Ms Trippet-Jones had been thinking about selling the cafe when Jamie and Rachel Aitken, who live in Diss and currently run the Forge Cafe in Thornham, mentioned they would be interested in taking it over.

She spent her last working day at the cafe on October 28 weekend and the new owners will re-open the cafe on November 6.

“After four-and-a-half years, I am hanging up my pinny,” said Ms Trippet-Jones.

“It has been the most crazy, wonderful, lovely time, but I need some room in my life to see my mum, who is still going at 96, my lovely aunt, who is 97 and still living independently in Hertfordshire and, of course, my children and four grandchildren.”

Ms Trippett-Jones took over the cafe from Sue Nicholls, who ran the business with her daughter.

“Angel Cafe has been through many guises. It’s a very special place and believed to be built on all sorts of ley lines. It’s supposed to be lucky,” she said.

“I wouldn’t feel happy leaving unless I was 100 per cent delighted with the new people who are buying the cafe.

“Jamie and Rachel will love and nurture the Angel and bring fresh inspiration.

“All the staff are remaining, too, including my chef Bridget Harrison, who was with me from day one and the cafe wouldn’t be what it is today without her input.

“I’d like to thank everyone so much for their custom, support, understanding and friendship over the last few years. It really is a community-based cafe.

“I’ve also been overwhelmed by the messages of support since announcing I was moving on.”