Love Grows

Moira and Mike Stedman have done that second career thing, and, having had enough of working for someone else all their lives, they've taken up residence in a lovely old building just off the square in the centre of Hebden Bridge. Up a short set of stone stairs, Love Grows is light and spacious, a bit Scandinavian, and full of fab food to buy – herbs, spices and legumes, biscuits, homemade jam and curds, along with tableware and a light smattering of well-chosen gifts, with not a Cath Kidston bag in sight! There's a choice of food to enjoy on the premises: open sandwiches come on a variety of breads, including sourdough and olive and tomato; roast pepper hummus with feta is super-tasty, and there's plenty of it; and Mike makes some just great cakes and scones. There are four areas to sit, one of them on a little balcony perched over the square, perfect for hippie spotting. And the best thing? Great espresso. Yep, Moira's put her time in at the barista school and it's paid off. My 'double shot with frothed milk on the side' didn't raise an eyebrow but just an enquiry about what size of cup I wanted. Hooray! The vibe is cool, contemporary and stripped back, but in a welcoming, friendly way. And Moira and Mike? They're warm, chatty and clearly chuffed with their middle-youth career change.