The Pantry in Gedney Hill offers people chance to meet an alpaca, goat or donkey while enjoying coffee and cake

If you fancy a cuppa, cake and meeting an alpaca then this new coffee shop is the place to visit.

The Pantry at Gedney Hill is situated next to the Springfield Farm Campsite – an arm’s length from goats, alpacas and donkeys.

Martyn Tate opened the premises in July as a way to serve hot drinks and cakes to the visitors on the campsite –owned by his father and mother in-law.

His partner Gemma Davies is a baker and makes celebration cakes, cupcakes and bakes for the couple’s venture – which hopes to branch out by offering pizza soon.

Mr Tate, who lives a few miles from Gedney Hill, said: “ My parents-in-law opened a campsite about six years ago and our coffee shop was to service the campsite in the summer and for the people in the village – as there is nothing round here.

“We do pizzas for the campers and we’re aiming to move the pizza truck outside the pantry to sell pizzas to the villagers – we hope to start this in October.”

A unique aspect of the shop is that it is next to the field where alpacas, donkeys and goats are housed.

Mr Tate said: “People came along and met a baby goat and the alpacas are outside which can be stroked– they are a massive hit.”

Realising that people wanted to pop in and have a coffee and cake and sit in the coffee shop the couple has organised more chairs and tables for customers.

Mr Tate added: “All the feedback has been positive so far – we are trying out what works – people want to sit and enjoy a cake on site – and we have added to what we offer each week.”

The Pantry at Gedney Hill can be contacted via Facebook and Instagram.

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