Castle Beach Cafe, Falmouth Emily reflects on first season

But two weeks before she died, Emily was able to excitedly discuss menu ideas with her mum when she was given the lease to the cafe.

Now eight months after opening, Emily has just finished her first season at the Falmouth beach cafe and has found it has helped her get through the challenges of her grieving.

Emily found out her mum had cancer two years before she died while working for the previous leaseholder Fiona Crump.

"For the next two years until her passing I couldn’t have asked for a more kind and compassionate boss,' she said.

"Luckily my mum found out that I had been given the lease to the café two weeks before she died - she was so excited for me and we spent hours discussing ideas for cakes, ice cream sundaes and the new logo.

Emily with her mum Diane (Image: Emily Davidson)

'"The café has been amazing for my dad now that he is newly widowed - he has made friends with some of the regulars, is always cracking jokes with the staff, and helps wash up on a busy day which keeps him busy."

Diane and Steve Davidson with Emily (Image: Emily Davidson)

She said making herself vulnerable to the public by opening the cafe while grieving her loss was incredibly nerve wracking.

"Not the best of places to start running your own business," she said. "But this café really has changed my life, and it means everything to me - a second home, the best employees I could ever wish for, customers who enjoy an inside joke with us, a place to be creative - I get to do all of this for a living.

"I can’t stay away from the place for more than a day, and it never feels like work because I love it so so much."

Emily took over from former employer and leaseholder Fiona Crump (Image: Ryan Morwood)

Over the past eight months she has seen plenty of highs including the evening events she introduced which were busier than she could have dreamed of - and plenty of challenges - broken freezers, burst pipes and delivery issues during the fuel shortage.

READ NEXT:

Falmouth family's spook-tacular fundraiser for Cornwall animal charity

"Every day at the café is filled with laughter and I’m so lucky to have employees that have become supportive friends," she said.

"It has helped me through the most difficult time of my life. It’s helped me to become more resilient though and I feel better prepared for next year.

"The café means everything to me and I can’t wait to be back next season."

The cafe will be open for some of the Christmas festivities. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for details.