A NEW cafe has just opened its doors at its new base in the Blackburn Technology Management Centre.

And, one of the first through the door at Food by Angela was Blackburn with Darwen’s Mayor, Cllr Pat McFall.

She joined proprietor Angela Drane, staff, loyal customers and conference centre users, and Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive member for regeneration, Cllr Phil Riley, for a grand opening on Wednesday at the café in Challenge Way.

And while the surroundings may be new, Angela has decades of experience in catering – starting out when she was just 15 and running ‘Food by Angela’ since 2009.

The cafe was previously based on Glenfield Park.

Speaking of her new venture, Angela said: "Since an early age I have enjoyed cooking and particularly baking, learning from watching and helping my grandma.

"Now we’ve moved to the Blackburn Technology Management Centre, we are looking forward to continuing the business – offering good, homemade food all baked from scratch on site.

"We love our new, bright, light and spacious premises and we’re looking forward to welcoming back our regular customers as well as gaining new ones.

The Blackburn Technology Management Centre is run by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Today, the centre a base for 30 small to medium-sized companies offering first-class accommodation as well as virtual office services, conference and meeting room hire.

Borough regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley said: "This café is going to be a real asset to the centre, its tenants, neighbouring businesses on the estate and the surrounding area.

"I wish Angela and her team all the very best for their future."