The David Livingstone Birthplace is delighted to announce that its newly renovated café housed in the previously named African Pavilion, will be run by Hazel Krawczyk, owner of Hazel’s Butterfly Bakery in Uddingston. Hazel previously ran the café as a volunteer prior to the Museum closing for renovation, and will take the reins once more when the David Livingstone Birthplace reopens this summer.
Hazel Krawczyk said: “The David Livingstone Birthplace and café will be a real asset to Blantyre. There hasn’t been a lot of investment in the local area previously, so this place of natural beauty and heritage on our doorstep is something that the community can take a lot of pride in. Especially after the past 18 months the opportunity to get out and about in nature and enjoy the outdoors is more important than ever – and the café will be there to refuel visitors after a day of exploration.”
Hazel’s Butterfly Bakery is renowned for its delicious cakes and traybakes and the menu at the new Museum café will continue that tradition with a selection of homemade cakes and light bites, alongside a breakfast and lunch menu and daily specials. Produce will be supplied by a number of local vendors, with Strachan Craft Butchers based in Blantyre preparing to provide specially made sausages and burgers influenced by the flavours of South African cuisine as a nod to David Livingstone’s expeditions.
Grant Mackenzie, Interim Director at David Livingstone Birthplace said: “The renovation of the David Livingstone Birthplace has turned the venue into a world class visitor destination, so it’s more important than ever that we maintain the connection the Museum has to the local community. The menu will be provided by local suppliers wherever possible so that visitors from across the world will have a taste of Blantyre and South Lanarkshire. Hazel did a stellar job of running the cafe prior to the renovation, it makes sense to ask her to come back officially; and it gives me great pride that we’re able to offer that opportunity to a previous volunteer.”
The café at David Livingstone Birthplace will operate with the same hours as the Museum, as well as opening earlier to provide service to dog walkers and early risers. The café, shop and surrounding grounds will be open to the public without the need to purchase Museum admission.
To find out more about the David Livingstone Birthplace opening this summer visit www.david-livingstone-birthplace.org
