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WIRRAL LIFE TALK TO
DANI ROBERTS OF 'THE MOUSE'
When did you buy The Mouse?
We started the purchase process in mid-2016 and completed the purchase in
November 2016, so we’re coming up to our three year anniversary. However,
'The Mouse' at Brimstage, formally The Country Mouse, has been established
and trading for over 40 years. What’s your biggest frustration?
I’d say empty units at Brimstage Hall & Courtyard, it’s sad to see the empty
units. We need other types of shops at Brimstage to drive footfall and
awareness. From a local and historical perspective, there’s nothing like it on
Wirral, it’s a stunning location.
What made you decide to buy a restaurant and particularly The Mouse?
Back in 2014, we moved to the countryside for 4 years whilst our daughter was
at school. During this time we stumbled across a canal side café which we tried
to buy on two occasions, unsuccessfully. Fate ordained and in 2016 a friend
called me from Wirral to advise The Country Mouse was up for sale. From
there it’s history. Why The Mouse?… Location, location, location - there’s no
other venue like it on Wirral. I hear The Mouse ‘Supper Club’ has been a great success, why did you
decide to open in the evenings?
Yes, it was a fab move for us. Prior to owning The Mouse it had never opened in
the evening(s), so it was a natural choice. However, we wanted to be different,
we didn’t want to be the same as everyone else, this is why we only open one
night per month. Every first Saturday of the month we have our ‘Supper Club’.
Book now for 5th October on 0151 342 5382!
What experience have you had within the hospitality sector?
I worked in corporate hospitality for 19 years managing large sporting and
corporate events globally. The experience and knowledge gained has allowed
me to channel this skill set into The Mouse, especially weddings and events.
An objective within our business plan was to establish a new wedding and
events venue for Wirral. What made you decide to enter the Weddings & Events space?
I saw a great opportunity as I knew The Mouse would make the perfect
wedding venue. What we’ve got is the ability to deliver the dream country
wedding at a fraction of the cost. Besides wedding’s, we're booked up every
week for Christening’s, Baby Showers, Celebrations of Life and Birthdays. The
events side of the business is going from strength to strength.
I can see you’ve renovated The Mouse, it looks fabulous!
Thank you, yes, we’ve invested considerably on the interior decor within the
restaurant and the conservatory and added garden furniture to our large
country garden. Additionally, we’ve completely updated all of our kitchen
equipment. What does the future hold for The Mouse?
Our aim is simple… keep it simple - fresh, local, honest food and deliver a
great service. I would especially like to thank all our valued customers who've
supported The Mouse since we started in November 2016; it’s gone from being
a quiet day time restaurant to a thriving restaurant and venue within three
years.
What about local food suppliers, is this something you promote?
I’m a foodie, I love cooking and believe fresh is best. We support many local
suppliers including Fine Fruits in Pensby (Produce), Derek Massey in Heswall
(Butcher) and many more, and of course Brimstage Brewery; Trapper’s Hat is
a favourite.
The Mouse has always been famous for its meringues?
Ha ha, yes we are and we bake these fresh daily; like all the food on our menu.
We’re very fortunate to have a great team in our kitchen, from our Head Chef to
my husband who at times helps out as kitchen porter! Additionally, the kitchen
doesn’t work without a great synergy with our front of house colleagues; I’m
very fortunate to have a brilliant team.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the brilliant team I have around me, good people make a
great business. The Mouse is a family owned and run business and I couldn’t
have achieved the success we’ve had without the support of my family. Firstly,
my Mum, she’s been by my side from the start and I couldn’t have done it
without her and of course my gardener… my Dad! What can I say about my
fabulous Daughter (Libby), she’s worked weekends and holidays and has been
by my side creating a great business, and lastly my husband, my rock who’s
been with me along this exciting journey. I must mention my head of security
too… my Labrador ‘Monty’. It’s truly a family affair!
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