With her teenage children all started to do their own things, and with lockdown restrictions easing, Sarah said she thought there was never a better time to take the opportunity.
Sarah said: ‘It has always been a dream of mine since I was a kid to have my own coffee shop. I saw it advertised on Facebook and I came to have a look with my daughter and we fell in love with it.’
Sarah has refitted the café, formerly Mug Shot, and turned it into a warm and welcoming place to be, with a Spanish influence.
Sarah Edwards (45) outside her new venture, the Paradise Lounge in Fareham. Picture: Mike Cooter (060821)
The café, which serves breakfasts, lunch and cakes, is open 9am until 3pm Tuesday to Saturday, and Sarah has started holding some evening events too.
This Friday she is hosting a jazz night from 7pm with cheese, biscuits and wine – something she hopes will become a regular feature.
Sarah said: ‘This week has started to pick up, we are up the independent end of West Street, so we have a lot of people passing.
The Paradise Lounge is staffed by the Edwards family. Pictured: Stella (18), Rhys (14), mother Sarah (45) and Portia (16). Picture: Mike Cooter (060821)
‘My message is to come in and give us a go. We are very friendly, we like to talk, it is an inviting place. We want our customers to feel relaxed. It has a really lovely vibe.'
Sarah, who is also a carer, has set up a support group for people caring for people with Alzheimer's or dementia.
The group will run every Wednesday from 3pm.
She said: ‘I have had a large response to this group. It is a big thing, and it needs to be more recognised.
The stylish interior of the Paradise Lounge. Picture: Mike Cooter (060821)
‘It is hard work and I hope that people will feel welcome to come in and have a sit and a natter.’
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