Dream come true as tearoom All Mine Cakes By The Lake opens

If you have a dream, go for it, says Hayley Schofield.

She knows what she is talking about because she has done just that.

Hayley has turned an old fishing lodge into an inviting tearoom next to an idyllic lakeside location in Maythorne.

Her dream started two years ago when she walked past the lodge near her home. Most people would not have given it a second glance, but Hayley saw the potential.

"I asked the owners if I could turn it into a tearoom and, luckily, they said let’s do it," she said.

The first step for Hayley and her husband, Simon, was to get the idea past council planners — the lodge is in a conservation area — and also take the feelings of local people into consideration.

They worked with the building’s owners, the Butler family, on its transformation, in memory of Don Butler.

They got planning permission but realised the scheme was not quite right, so the plans were changed and they had to go through the process again.

Once approval was in place, work started on turning the lodge into something rather special.

It has been extended to double its former size.

The net-curtained windows have gone, replaced with large glass panes and doors to ensure a perfect view of the lake.

Pretty pastels have been used for the decor, in keeping with Hayley’s aim to create a calm and peaceful place that everyone can enjoy.

"The journey was not always easy," she said. "There were so many considerations to take into account, but we knew we could do it."

The tearoom, All Mine Cakes By The Lake, opened three weeks ago.

Hayley said the reaction had been everything they hoped for and more.

"I have had so many flowers and good-luck messages. It has been amazing," she said.

"If you have a dream, go for it. Grab it with both hands."

Manager Wendy Simpson, along with the rest of the team, provide service with a smile — and Hayley is looking for more to join them.

They serve tea, coffees, cake and ice-cream, and plan to add breakfasts, tapas boards and salads to the menu.

Hayley, keen to share her dream with others, has set up a scheme where customers have the option of paying £3 to buy a drink for people using Beaumond House Community Hospice, Newark, and their carers.

"I want to give something back and thought of the idea of a gift of a coffee for someone who has had a tough day — a little bit of sunshine on a rainy day," she said.

Hayley is a former nurse and thought the hospice would be a perfect partner.

Its fundraising and marketing manager, Cathy Lowe, said: It is such a very kind and considerate thing to do.

"I cannot think of anything nicer than giving people the opportunity for a peaceful time here with a coffee."

Cathy said people using the hospice would be given a voucher to use at the tearoom when drinks were donated.

The tearoom is the latest addition to Hayley’s thriving business, All Mine Cakes, which was set up five years ago.

She makes more than 50 varieties of gluten-free cakes and treats that are suitable for people with a food allergy or intolerance, winning nine Great Taste Awards.

The tearoom can seat 40 people inside with room for a further 44 on the terrace, where dogs are welcome. There is plenty of parking.

It is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 9am to 4.30pm, with last orders taken at 4pm.