The Mule on Rouge
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Meet Siôn and Zoe the owners of The Mule on Rouge in Northumberland's historic border town.
In 2017, Siôn Gates and Zoe Long decided that the time was right to set their own course and start their own business in the industry they love...namely food and hospitality.
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They opened The Mule on Rouge, which they describe as a vinyl coffee shop/ café on the vibrant Bridge Street in Berwick, a centre for indy shops in the town.
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The café serves up healthy and nutritious, local food at affordable prices. In non-Covid times it also hosts regular music nights and author evenings.
“I love getting to know my customers as it means you can have a better relationship with them, which helps to bring loyalty and recommendations.”
During Covid Sion has been able to add more outdoor seating and an awning to create a real café culture in the heart of the town.
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Now The Mule on Rouge is one of a number of independent traders who have helped to reinvigorate the Bridge Street area of Berwick.
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Sion said: “A decade or so ago Bridge Street was a very different place, with loads of empty shop spaces but in recent years lots of different types of businesses have moved in. The demographics of people living and visiting Berwick has also changed and that has helped to innovate the town and attract new traders.
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“There is a great community amongst businesses in this area and it is integral for the success of a town that traders support each other. I believe that a prosperous community can only happen if people support it and do it for themselves, that’s why shopping local is so important.
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“I love getting to know my customers as it means you can have a better relationship with them, which helps to bring loyalty and recommendations.”
Find out more about The Mule on Rouge
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