By Beverly Rademacher

Copyright expressandstar

Heavenly Baking owner Zoe Konopka, who runs a popular coffee shop in Walsall, is opening the new venture at the landmark venue.

Zoe’s new venture in Wordsley will run alongside her existing business, bringing her popular bakes and passion for hospitality to a new corner of the Black Country.

Ward councillors Adam Davies and Wayne Little welcomed Zoe to the site after long campaigning to Dudley Council, which owns the site, to try to find a new tenant for the empty coffee shop unit.

Cllr Davies said: “Having a coffee shop here at the cone is really important for visitors and the other businesses on site, so we’re really pleased that a new operator has been found and that Zoe – whose enthusiasm is exactly what we were hoping for – is the successful applicant.

“Zoe has tonnes of experience from running her other coffee shop in Walsall and it’s great to hear about her exciting ideas for this new business at the cone, helping to build on our proud glass-making heritage.”

With more than 16 years in hospitality, Zoe turned her lifelong love of baking into a thriving business inspired by her nan’s handwritten recipes.

Heavenly Baking produces a range of cakes, traybakes and biscuits, freshly made by Zoe and her dedicated bakery team.

Since opening her first shop, Zoe has partnered with training establishments to offer work experience opportunities – not only to hospitality students, but also to young people with additional needs.

She said of her new venture: “I’m extremely excited to be able to share my passion for fresh and locally sourced products, serving them at the beautiful Grade II listed Red House Glass Cone museum site.

“Our aim is to use produce within a 60-mile radius to support local suppliers and reduce food miles. We’re currently busy refurbishing the unit and can’t wait to welcome visitors when we open in mid-October.”

Cllr Little said: “The Red House Glass Cone is such an important landmark for our community, and Zoe’s commitment to using local produce and supporting young people through training is exactly the kind of positive investment we want to see in Wordsley. I’m really looking forward to seeing Heavenly Baking thrive here.”

Ahead of the launch, Heavenly Baking is currently recruiting for front-of-house and kitchen roles. Interested applicants can send their CVs to zoe@heavenlybaking.co.uk