Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2018 | Page 111

Food and drink
Couple’s recipe for success
When an award-winning baker Mark Legg and trained
lifeguard Mari Griffiths were looking for a new start
away from North London’s busy Crouch End, they
found an unexpected opportunity right here on the
Isle of Wight.
Having come to the Island for
a short break, they noticed a
“For Sale” board on a run-down
beachside cafe at Small Hope in
Shanklin – and instantly decided
they could breathe new life into it.
Since they opened their re-
named Salix Beach Cafe in 2015,
the couple’s unusual combination
of talents has turned it into a busy
and thriving community cafe that
attracts everyone from local dog
walkers, runners, and families, to
tourists, ramblers and cyclists.
Mark’s home bakes are a
big draw – especially the
mouthwatering cranberry scones
he bakes fresh daily and which
accompany cream teas and
coffees – and the menu features
lots of locally-made produce.
The licensed cafe, which opens
seven days a week from 9am –
4pm, has also become something
of a community hub, hosting
charity events such as the popular
Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
swims, held in aid of Sandown
Lifeboats and the Wessex Cancer
Trust, as well as private parties and
celebrations.
Find The Salix at Small Hope
Beach, Shanklin, PO37 6BQ. Tel:
07772 056204. Visit the website at
www.thesalixcafe.co.uk
Much more than just a store
Nestling in its picturesque village setting, Chale Green Stores
could be described as one of the Island’s best kept secrets.
In fact its name doesn’t do it
justice, for this is much more
than just a store. Since owners
Chris and Jo took it on five years
ago, they’ve made massive
improvements and turned it into
something of an all-
purpose community hub
- combining a traditional
local shop with a seven-
day-a-week Post Office, an
award-winning cafe and
garden, and even a free-to-
use bike repair station!
The store offers
everything from everyday
shopping items to lots of
locally-sourced products you won’t
find anywhere else on the Island -
while the cafe produces all its own
mouthwatering dishes in-house.
It’s a popular destination for
walkers and cyclists - thanks to
the lovely garden and stunning
views - and serves everything from
breakfast and lunch to afternoon
tea, coffee and cakes. It is also a
popular venue for family occasions
such as Mothers Day – so be sure
to book early!
Chris and Jo say that what
they love most about the
business is meeting such a
varied range of customers
- from their loyal locals to
visitors from around the UK
and all over the world.
Find Chale Green Stores at
Chale Green, PO38 2JN or
call 01983 551201.
www. visitilife.com
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