Wymondham cafe gets set to launch tapas nights as part of bid to become hub of town’s nightlife

The Lemon Tree in Wymondham has been granted a licence to sell alcohol and will be launching a regular tapas bar in the evenings.Owner Nik Smith and his partner Jenna Dracup (Image: Archant norfolk)

It's not unusual to see the Lemon Tree in Damgate Street packed with families and couples after its well-known breakfasts and handmade sausage rolls.

But now owner Nik Smith is on a mission to entice evening trade to the cafe, after securing an alcohol licence earlier this year.

Mr Smith, 40, and partner and cafe manager Jenna Dracup, 40, tried the tapas evenings last year but found that customers missed having a drink.

Now, armed with the licence, a hand-picked selection of beers and a menu full of quick bites, the couple plan to launch tapas nights on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights after Easter to offer Wymondham a night out with a difference.

'Not everyone wants to go to the pub and we would like to offer something different in the evening,' Mr Smith, who took over the Lemon Tree three years ago, said. 'It's a different experience - different music and a different feel.'

With a new menu and a supper club also in the works, Mr Smith said he thinks the cafe will 'offer something for everyone'.

As part of the overhaul, Mr Smith will even rename the Lemon Tree later in the year to the LT Cafe - a move which the couple hope will give a 'bistro feel, but without it being a bistro'.

The owner added that as well as tempting in custom from surrounding areas, the couple would like to encourage more local residents to pop in.

'Most people from Wymondham go to Norwich as there isn't that much here in the evening, so we hope to change that,' he said.

For more information, visit the Lemon Tree café at www.twitter.com/lemontreecafewy or contact 01953 606366

Do you have a story about a cafe or bar near you? We'd like to hear from you. Contact Lauren Cope at lauren.cope@archant.co.uk