Because I Like It in Diamond Court, Bakewell is run by husband and wife proprietors, Nigel and Val Hufton, together with their team of friendly staff.
Nigel and Val took over the premises at the end of March 2014, and after carrying out a number of renovations to the servery and kitchen areas, relaunched the business as Because I Like It.
The new servery area is light, spacious and welcoming. A particular talking point of the servery is the 3-D John Wilson “Lowryesque” painting which appears to move as you move around the cafe.
The chef, Mark, is renowned for his homemade soups and tarts. There is a wide range of gluten-free options available, including hot meals, soups, cakes, sandwiches and wraps. Soya and skimmed milk are also available with drinks.
Customers appreciate the quality of the food and the wonderful Italian coffee, served by the helpful front of house staff. Afternoon teas are very much a speciality at Because I Like It, with a selection of finger sandwiches, scones and cakes served with either fine loose leaf teas or cafetiere coffee.
Outside there is a gorgeous vine-covered patio area, which is ideal for soaking up the sun or for simply relaxing with a drink and a meal. There is plenty of room for dogs to relax as well!
Every Thursday evening, the rear cafe area is transformed into a beautiful bistro, offering a selection of mouthwatering dishes from around the world cooked by Val. Nigel acts as host ensuring personal service to all the guests. The menu changes every month so there is always something new and exciting to experience. As Because I Like It is not yet licensed, guests can bring their own bottle (corkage charge £3.50 per bottle).
In addition to the daytime cafe and evening bistro, Because I Like also has a gift and craft shop showcasing a range of stunning jewellery, beautiful glassware, high quality bags and gorgeous ceramics from artisans both in the UK and overseas. There is also a wide selection of more unusual and quirky gifts and presents, as well as a particular emphasis on presents for men. Fairtrade products are also well represented and for cycling enthusiasts, there is a range of recycled bicycle gifts, limited edition prints and cards.
There are plans to extend the selection of gifts and crafts with some exciting new lines being introduced over the coming months which are sure to delight customers.
Upstairs there is a refurbished gallery showcasing work by both British and South-East Asian artists. Nigel and Val don’t claim to be art critics, and purchased their Asian art pieces “because they liked them” whilst they were travelling and volunteer teaching in South-East Asia in 2013. The majority of the overseas art has been sourced directly from the artists themselves, and given the positive reception to date from the local community and tourists, Because I Like It hopes to be able to purchase more pieces soon and as such, help to improve the lives of the artists and their families in these poorer countries.
A range of exciting new sculptures will take pride of place in the gallery over the coming few weeks, and there are also plans to introduce more original works by local artists and photographers over the coming months.
Nigel, Val and their friendly staff look forward to welcoming you soon to Because I Like It, Bakewell’s Hidden Gem.
Address: Diamond Court, Water Street, Bakewell, DE45 1EW. Telephone 01629 813749
E mail info@becauseilikeit.co.uk Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BecauseILikeItBakewell
