CAST has announced a festive takeover of its café by a talented chef who brings an extensive wealth of culinary expertise.

Following the departure of former head chef Mikey Croft (as reported in The Packet earlier this month), CAST has revealed that Bekah Smith will be running the cafe in the lead-up to Christmas. 

Bekah has worked for some of the best sustainable cafes in the West Country, including as part of the teams at Outside Devon, where daily menus are built around vegetables grown on-site.

Bekah will running the CAST café until December 19 Bekah will running the CAST café until December 19 (Image: CAST) She also bakes for and organises many Darn's Supper Clubs at, Potager Garden café in Constantine.

Her experience also includes managing Yallah Coffee's café in St Ives from 2020 to 2022, in addition to roles at Canteen in Newquay and FED 303 in Bristol.

During her short tenure, the CAST café will operate on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm.

Some of Bekah's bakes Some of Bekah's bakes (Image: CAST) With Bekah staffing the café as a ‘one woman band’ the menu will be simpler than usual. However, there will be a range of homemade cakes and bakes along with Yallah coffee, breakfast eggs and alternative lunch options such as dahl or savoury bakes.

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Her time at CAST will extend beyond café service. She will also be lending her support to upcoming events, including:

A screening evening featuring artists Niall Cullen, Dan Guthrie and Amanda Rice on Friday, December 6.

As well as delicious home bakes, Bekah will also offer savoury dishes As well as delicious home bakes, Bekah will also offer savoury dishes (Image: CAST) The café will be open and stocked with cake for CAST’s free Christmas print workshop on Saturday, December 14. This event will also include Clay Trap and the Seaweed Institution.

Bekah’s final day will be on Thursday, December 19 when the café will remain open for an evening event featuring carols from Helston Town Band.

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The Packet published at the beginning of November that CAST is looking for a new experienced chef to take over the café after former head chef Mikey Croft stepped down after being offered a new role.

As a result, the trust running the community building and arts studios in Penrose Road where the café is based, is looking for a new individual or team to take over.

CAST has since confirmed that it is currently considering proposals from several experienced chefs and food businesses for a longer-term café arrangement and will announce its decision in the New Year.

Anyone interested in taking over the café should email Teresa@castcornwall.art for more information or an informal conversation.