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THE GATHERING, Earl Road, Mold

Starting a new business is always a stressful time but when chef Rick Lee had earmarked March 20, 2020 to open his new cafe, little did he know he was in for a big serving of stress!

The coffee machine had been delivered and it was looking like all systems go for Mold venue The Gathering. Just days later the nation went into its first lockdown.

He said: "I didn't know what to do then."

Initially fearing he wouldn't be eligible for any grants or support, he was helped by his landlord, an ex-solicitor, to secure some funding after about 12 weeks.

Rick, originally from the Wirral but now living in Mold, finally opened, albeit for takeaway, on May 6, 2020.

So how has it been since opening?

He said: "It's lovely, the people of Mold are fantastic. I love being here and they're very supportive.

"The back end of 2020, when we closed the borders with England, that did affect business and I closed in the December until early 2021.

"But Mold has been bucking the trend in terms of its high street."

And it really has. The Flintshire market town has seen a whole host of new businesses arrive over the last two years.

The Gathering is now another jewel in its crown.

The cafe is adorable. For those who love a good photo, it's full of Instagram-worthy moments (The Gathering themselves can be found @TheGatheringMold).

It's an intimate, fresh setting but this simply adds to the incredibly welcoming vibe, and it just gets better upstairs, with the sun peeking in the light and airy space.

A star attraction for many, myself included, are Rick's cakes and bakes (I took away a delicious slice of coffee and walnut from my visit).

He adds: "Where possible, everything is homemade."

There's also toasties, a steak sandwich and an appearance by the cheese of the moment, halloumi.

And he does great breakfasts. A testament to this was just how quickly The Gathering was filling up on a Tuesday morning.

But Rick has plans. He has an application in for a licence at the venue, with an aim to open on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Having trained as a chef in an Italian restaurant, he is looking to bring a taste of the Med to Mold.

He said: "I want to be a bit different. I never wanted to open up and do breakfasts but having done them through the lockdown, people got used to them, and you give the customer what they want.

"I want to do more Mediterranean-style breakfasts though. I'd like to at least try."

Rick believes Mold can handle it, adding: "People are often just looking for something a bit different.

"I was initially going to just do the cakes and bakes, then the breakfasts came along but I'd like to add something else, something a bit unique.

"I'm capable of doing something different, so why not?"

Having already run a wine tasting evening, with six tasting plates, Rick's raring to go with weekend plans, licence application permitting.

He spoke about possible themed evenings and different menus each week, posted a week in advance on The Gathering's social media platforms.

So for all you foodies out there, watch this space, it's worth giving The Gathering a follow...

• The Gathering

Earl Road, Mold

Tel: 01352 751307

Website: thegatheringmold.co.uk

Twitter: @HomeOfGreatFood

Facebook: @TheGatheringMold