A family-owned business will be moving into the Cricketers Café in the pavilion of the King George V park after a local man has taken over the lease.
Craig Guthrie, who grew up in Melksham, already runs successful catering businesses, Jack’s Kitchen and Evie’s Mac & Cheese, and hopes his experience will help him make a success of his new venture.
Craig’s airstream catering van will be at the park serving a range of hot & cold food and drinks weekly from Wednesdays to Sundays 10am to 5pm (weather dependent) while a full renovation of the pavilion building is taking place.
Speaking on his ambitions for the venue, Craig said, “Long term, I plan to turn the Cricketers Café into a warm, welcoming place serving proper home-cooked breakfasts, lunches and, in the future, extend to evening food as well. I can’t wait to get started. I want to meet people and really take them along with us on the journey of what we’re going to do here.”
Melksham’s mayor, Cllr Simon Crundell welcomed the news saying, “Craig’s successful bid to operate the Cricketers Café in King George V Park is a cause for celebration. I offer him my heartfelt congratulations and am thrilled at the prospect of seeing his exciting plans come to fruition. I wish him every success and eagerly anticipate dropping by for a delicious beverage and a bite to eat.”
The building has been vacant since September 2021. Since then, residents have called for a cafe facility to be available in the park and it was one of the most requested amenities in a town council survey to find out what was needed for the park.
Pictured: Craig with his children Evie, Jack and Mabel
