Mayor of Dudley calls into new coffee shop at historic Wordsley glass cone

Baker and business owner Zoe Konopka welcomed the borough's first citizen Councillor Pete Lee and his wife Gloria to her newly-opened Red Cone Coffee House at the landmark glassmaking site in Camp Hill, Wordsley.

Zoe, who has more than a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, already runs the 'Heavenly Baking' coffee shop and tea rooms at Walsall Garden Centre.

With her new venture at the cone, she has been able to combine her passions for baking and heritage and has focussed on bringing out the coffee shop's historic details. 

Since taking on the empty former coffee shop on the famous glass cone site, she has stripped back the whole unit to reveal the bare brickwork, a cobbled floor, leaded windows and a fireplace. The counter has been relocated along the back wall to create a more open space which is filled with sofas, comfy chairs, traditional wooden chairs and tables made for the venue by a local timber supplier.  The local ethos also continues with the food itself, with the majority of produce sourced within a 60-mile radius to support local suppliers and cut down on food miles.

Zoe also believes in using baking to help young people on the path to a career and independence. She works with local colleges to provide placements and work experience for catering and hospitality students and has a keen interest in supporting young people with additional needs such as autism.

She said it has been a "busy and exciting" time launching the new business and she added: "It’s been lovely to be part of the cone’s half-term activities. Everyone’s been really welcoming, and visitors have been saying how pleased they are that there’s a café back on site.

“My team really enjoyed meeting the Mayor and Mayoress and sharing some of our delicious bakes with them.”

The Mayor of Dudley, Cllr Lee, said: “Zoe has done a marvellous job of transforming the coffee house into a contemporary café while maintaining a heritage feel. The food was absolutely heavenly and I’m sure Zoe’s food will prove a real hit with visitors.”

Zoe and her team produce a wide selection of cakes, traybakes and biscuits. The coffee shop also offers traditional breakfasts featuring AW Lashford sausages, light lunches, cakes, afternoon teas and a range of teas and coffees. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available and dogs are welcome.

The coffee shop is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm.