Couple set to open new cafe on Shell Corner

Lucie Beattie and Phil Rose are refurbishing the former Bread Basket on Long Lane.

They hope to open Frankie's Cafe, named after their beloved 11-month-old Shih Tzu Frankie, imminently.

The couple, of Long Lane, are carrying out the work themselves as father-of-two Phil is a builder.

Lucie, aged 56, said: "We jumped at the chance to buy the cafe because we'd wanted to open a cafe for about a year.

"We are just getting the lease sorted.

"We doing a big refurb - we want to put our own stamp on it.

"We are going to increase the number of seats from 20 to between 26-30.

"Because Phil's a builder we can do the work ourselves.

"It will be in a rustic style.

"Breakfast will be a big thing for us.

"Then after 11am we will serve sandwiches and other main courses and pastries."

Sadly popular Jo-Maria Bread Basket owner Paul Smith passed away in July this year after being diagnosed with cancer.

Luice, who was born in Southern Ireland, has lived in Halesowen for around 22 years. She used to run the bar Utopia in Birmingham.

Gluttons for punishment her and Phil, aged 50, are just completing a refurbishment of their home on Long Lane, Halesowen.

Phil will help in the kitchen for a month when the eatery opens and will then return to the building trade.

Frankie's Cafe will open from Monday to Saturday from 7am till 2.30pm.

The opening date will be announced soon.