AN ILMINSTER lady is taking over the reins at the town’s arts centre cafe.

The facility reopened last month, and starting this month is being run by Sue Foreman.

A spokesman for the Arts Centre said: “Having reopened at the beginning of September with volunteers manning our café, we’ve been on a quest to find the right person to take on this wonderful venue as a business.

“We’re delighted to announce that from October 1, the incredible Sue Foreman will be taking over the reins at our café.

“A local girl, she comes to the IAC with a wealth of experience and a bundle of enthusiasm.”

Sue started working in her parents hotel when she was 12, and quickly realised her dream was to work in hospitality.

She has experience in pubs and cafes, has run her own successful catering company, and lectured in professional cookery and front of house at Yeovil College.

Sue said: “I’m passionate about offering daily specials, different every day. I want to make the most of seasonal produce and a wide range of cuisines too.

“Of course everything will be locally sourced, everything will be fresh and I’ll be making it all myself.

“I will always have at least one vegan and gluten free option available, I can guarantee a selection of fresh salads daily often with my homemade mozzarella, along with a soup option, but there will be some exciting new dishes coming your wa.

“I’ll also be doing all the baking, savoury and sweet, I love making Florentines but my favourite bake is cheese straws. There will be plenty to choose from.

“I hope to be opening for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea shortly too, so watch this space.”

And Sue already has plans for a Christmas menu.

“It’ll start on Tuesday 1st December, you can expect a mix of traditional festive treats with a few twists too,” she said.