Best friends who have known each other since they were seven open new family-friendly cafe in Hartlepool

Emily Whitfield and Emma Crowe, who have been best pals since around the age of seven, are launching Lyla Belle’s on Hartlepool’s Tees Bay Retail Park.

Along with another friend Fiona Connolly, whose two-year-old daughter it is named after, they have taken over a new unit on the ever-expanding park.

After several months of hard work, it is due to open for business in around a week’s time.

They spotted a gap for an independent family-friendly cafe on the park and hope it will be a hit with both shoppers and staff who work there.

Emily, 25, who previously worked at York’s famous Bettys Tea Room, said: “It’s been our dream since we were kids.

“We’ve been best friends since were seven. It started as a running joke at first. I’m not quite sure how it got to this but it’s pretty exciting.

“We saw this unit and thought the park was crying out for somewhere like this.

“Everyone who works here are our family and friends.”

All of the cakes and scones served at Lyla Belle's are made by Emma, 27.

She said: “Apparently I do a really good carrot cake, scone and vegan cheesecake.

“We are excited. It has been a long time coming.”

Fiona, 25, who is related to Emma, is the third manager.

She said: “I used to work at Bianco’s Deli on the marina so I know about the day to day running of the business and will help out as much as needed.”

Lyla Belle’s will serve up breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, with a focus on using as little plastic as possible and aim to support local suppliers.

Emily added: “I think it will do well. Everything is home made.”

They have also put out a call for any local artists looking for somewhere to display their work to get in touch.

Lyla Belle’s is next to Age UK’s shop which opened last October.

It follows the opening of a new Burger King drive-thru restaurant two weeks ago.