Cafe 24 at Stonham Barns have fingers crossed as they head to East of England Business Awards ceremony

A café owner, who achieved the life-long dream of her mother, is celebrating after being nominated for a business award.

Café 24 at Stonham Barns, which has been owned by Sarah Shaw since 2022, has been shortlisted for the finals of the East of England Business Awards.

The 53-year-old, who is due to celebrate her birthday today, moved to Stonham Aspal from Essex to take on the venue, with the help of husband, Robert.

Mrs Shaw said: “To be invited to the awards as a finalist is such an achievement. I am honoured – and a little overwhelmed – to be a part of this event.

“The whole process of opening the business has been a rollercoaster ride – in a good way.

“We have all had so much fun, bringing good food and company to our customers, and we do want to continue to build on our success in the future.”

The owner said there was a little fate involved when she first looked at the business two years ago.

“The number 24 has always been my lucky number as my mum, Pam, was born on the 24th and so was my son,” said Mrs Shaw.

“So when I saw it was number 24 and the fact I was buying the cafe in memory of my mum, who always wanted one, meant it had to be.”

Mrs Shaw said 10 of her staff would be accompanying her to the awards ceremony at the Radisson Blue Hotel at London Stansted Airport tomorrow, adding that they have had so much support since finding out that the business had made the final.

“I don’t see the cafe having customers; we have so many regulars that we see them as friends,” she said.

“We have tried to make it homely, just like my mum would have wanted it, so it is great to know that people love it as much as we do.

“I am so overwhelmed with the heartfelt support we have received and know my mum would be proud of what we have achieved.

“I will be taking my team with me as it would be an achievement for us all if we are lucky enough to win.”

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