“I want to create a space so people feel like they’re walking into my kitchen. An open, cosy and bright venue that smells of coffee and freshly-baked goods”, says Kate Murphy, 32. “Somewhere that is simple in its offering but special in a way that you know that lots of thought and love has gone into everything. I would like to share my passion for baking, seasonality and my hospitality and make people happy when they visit Kate’s”.
After working for eight years as a communications and development manager for the Kitchin Group, Kate Murphy decided to branch out on her own.
She’s now opening an eponymous bakery, shop and cafe in the former premises of a vintage homeware shop at 116 Causewayside, Edinburgh,
The plan is for Kate’s to launch in early November.
Murphy had been in this property before, to buy a piece of furniture, and fallen in love with the space.
It features exposed stonework, concrete flooring and big windows, though Murphy is in the process of adding colour, window seating and pendant lights to the large open plan room, which has the kitchen at the back. “Meaning I can bake while welcoming people”, she says.
Although there are plenty of pubs in the vicinity and they’re not far from Michelin-starred restaurant, Condita, there aren’t too many cafes at this spot, which is just a short walk from the Meadows.
“I feel that what Kate’s is offering is unique to the area”, says Murphy, whose parents used to own a pub and restaurant. “A local bakery and coffee shop for the community which focuses on seasonal ingredients and sourcing the produce locally where possible. I would also like to build up the provisions side of the shop gradually, as I get to know more about the community and learn what they would like, then I can spend time sourcing from great independent businesses”.
Murphy learnt most of her baking skills from cooking alongside her mum.
“The first cake I made was a Victoria sponge. I still use the recipe now and know it off by heart,” she says.
The cafe will serve an icing-sugar dusted version of this, which fits perfectly alongside its ethos of “comforting, seasonally-influenced home baking”. Its menu will change daily, and signature offerings will include sausage rolls and homemade chutney, cheese and herb scones, loaf cakes, cookies, muffins and frangipane.
There will also be bakes that feature ingredients Murphy has foraged, including wild garlic, elderflower, herbs and berries.
“The lockdown gave me time to think and dream about starting my own bakery”, she says. “ I always knew I would like to have my own business and with everything that happened over the last couple of years, it really prompted me to go for it. I am happiest when I’m in the kitchen and being a hostess welcoming guests. I can’t wait to open and do what I love and hopefully make people smile!”
