CASSANDRA'S has seen a lot of change over the years, but the popular cafe in St Mary's Arcade is going strong, remaining a firm favourite in the community. 

Becoming a real community hub over the last decade, the Country Kitchen closed its doors for the final time in March 2023 as the Hardshaw Centre will soon be demolished under St Helens Council's regeneration plans.

The closure was described as an "end of an era" by staff and customers alike, but the same atmosphere was promised at Cassandra's cafe in St Mary's Arcade as both businesses were owned by former Merton Bank and Rainhill resident Kimberley Soni.

So with a handful of the Country Kitchen team transferring to the already popular Cassandra's, the business accommodated this by extending its opening hours and has been thriving by attracting regulars from both venues.

Jackie McBride, manager of Cassandra's says the secret to people coming back is the 'homely feel and top ingredients'.

She said: "It's always been popular, but when we closed The Country Kitchen we added more here and its constantly busy.

"It's not just old customers either, young and old come here, we think its because of the homely feel and the top ingredients - and the popular cakes and pastries too.

"We are lucky to have such loyal customers and we are doing great, you struggle to get a table here every lunch time."

Cassandra's is open 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Saturdays.