Sisters business dream comes true
Three sisters are seeing their dream turn into a reality as they open their own business.
Denise Arthur, Yvonne Potter and Karen Shaw had always talked of launching a venture – now they are preparing to open Poppies tearoom and gift shop.
The business will open on Monday on the ground floor of the building which formerly traded as Sylvia’s pub on South Crescent, Seaham.
The building, one of the oldest in the town, has been transformed by businessman Norman Robinson, who has also created a Thai restaurant.
Yvonne, who has previously worked as a purchasing manager in the food industry, said: “It’s been a dream of ours for 20 years and we have always wanted to do it, but the opportunity was never really there.
“Norman came to own the building, he knew me through my last job and asked us if we were interested in leasing part of the building.”
The three, who are all from Seaham, will serve light lunches, cakes and scones and Sunday afternoon teas and has a drinks licence.
They will also offer celebration cakes and birthday teas, with an events calendar to be drawn up once trade gets under way.
Yvonne added: “Because of the atmosphere that’s in here, we want people to feel they can relax.
“We appreciate there are other places in Seaham, cafes and gift shops, but we’re not all full of the same things.
