A Spotlight on Croziers of Birkdale
Believe it or not, the Croziers name actually dates back almost 150 years to 1870 when the business was established in Lytham. Croziers was always well renowned on the Fylde Coast and they are determined to keep the family tradition of catering alive today. Still a family business (owner, Angela’s great grandparents were the original Croziers and she now runs the business with daughter, Rosie), the new Croziers of Birkdale opened in 2014.
Where is it?
In the heart of the pretty Victorian village of Birkdale, just a mile outside Southport. Croziers is a tiny 8×2 shop beside the station in an area known for its golf (Royal Birkdale) and cricket.
How long has it been there?
Croziers of Birkdale opened in 2014.
Who’s in charge?
Croziers is owned by Angela Helliwell and husband, Roger, but daughter, Rosie, carries out most of the day-to-day running of the business. It’s still very much a family business with other daughter, Eleanor making a range of specialist celebration cakes.
What’s the vibe?
The design is Victorian-inspired navy and gold to keep in line with the historic location. A seemingly never-ending art deco ceiling with stunning fretwork was restored during the renovation and gives the feeling of space upwards despite being quite narrow inside. Paints are from the environmentally friendly, Little Greene Paint Company and all of the cake stands are made from different types of traditional wood. There’s only room for six seats inside but people sit outside under the Victorian veranda in all weathers kept warm by cosy sheepskin rugs. A large nostalgic picture on the wall depicts Angela’s grandfather and great grandfather outside the original Lytham shop in 1870.
Who goes there?
A hub of the community, Croziers of Birkdale is a place where everyone feels welcome. They have a broad mix of clientele from some extremely fortunate people – like the occasional Liverpool footballer – but then also do their bit to combat loneliness within the local community. Because they’re only small, there’s always a great buzz of conversation both inside and out.
What’s the food like?
Everything is homemade and has to be the very best. All of the family can bake and their quiches and homemade sausage rolls are hard to beat. Eat-in and takeaway menus feature everything from veggie breakfast specials to mouthwatering toasties of black pepper and tomato pork sausage, chorizo, sweet tomato chilli chutney and mature cheddar.
What cake should we order?
This is a toughie and possibly a three-way tie between Croziers famous Frangipane – a favourite old recipe filled with raspberry jam and sprinkled with almonds and made with gluten-free pastry. Then there’s Rosie’s deliciously light chocolate & raspberry brownies or Roger’s subtly spiced Notting Hill carrot cake!
And washed down with..?
A freshly roasted cup of Carvetii seasonal blend specialty coffee or a cup of spring washed decaf. A creamy latte tends to be the most popular coffee among Croziers of Birkdale customers, followed closely by a smooth Americano.
Why Carvetii Coffee?
On holiday in the Lake District, Roger and Angela had a great coffee in Shils of Cockermouth, which spurred them to call into the roasters, Carvetii at their Roastery in Threlkeld en route back home. They fell in love with the product and just six months later, Carvetii were supplying the coffee and had fitted out Croziers with top of the range La Spaziale equipment.
What do people say about Croziers of Birkdale?
Customers love the coffee and like the fact that no one else in the village offers specialty coffee. People have even said they serve the best coffee in Southport… and of course that the homemade cakes are delicious.
Any interesting facts about Croziers of Birkdale?
The original Croziers in Lytham was sold in 1967 to make way for the first Boots Chemist in the North of England.
The Croziers logo – a rabbit in Wallace tartan – was dreamt up by a cousin of Angela’s and a painting of said rabbit, trying to decide between a carrot or a cake, adorns one of the walls.
What should people do in Birkdale?
Birkdale is a typically classic Victorian village with an abundance of independent shops, like cheesemongers, fishmongers and greengrocers, as well as some quirky vintage shops. It is a destination in itself. Every year the village still holds a Victorian Fair and Croziers are lucky enough to get an array of classic cars parked outside for the day.
Anything else?
In addition to the coffee shop, Croziers also run a successful outside cateringservice – catering for the local hospital and schools – as well as creating specialist celebration cakes. Daughter, Eleanor somehow finds time to bake all the celebration cakes whilst training in medicine. Pre-Croziers and pre-baking, Angela was a midwife and Roger an engineer.
What Croziers say about us…
“We fell in love with Carvetii coffee instantly and we’re really seeing it grow in popularity in the village as no one else offers true specialty coffee. We’re real advocates of Carvetii because of the quality of the beans and the ethos of tracing where the bean comes from and the fact that it changes with the seasons every three months. It’s well produced. We’re passionate about telling people the story behind specialty coffee and that the beans are like a fine wine with more flavour. They’re grown at high altitude and the pickers are well paid compared to more commercial coffee bean pickers. Thanks to Carvetii, we offer so much more than just a cup of coffee – we tell the story and people buy into the product.”
What customers say about Croziers…
“Best coffee around.”
“Best breakfast ever.”
“I have just been into Croziers for the first time and oh my goodness. What a lovely quaint little gem this place is. The staff were very professional and lovely and the piri piri chicken toasted sandwich was just divine. I will definitely be coming here again.”
“Wonderful place to visit… warm welcome and fab food.”
Croziers of Birkdale is open Monday-Saturday 9am-3pm.
Croziers of Birkdale, 13A Liverpool Road, Birkdale, Southport, PR8 4AR. 01704 550120. Find out more athttps://www.croziersofbirkdale.co.uk/
