THREE birds of a feather are hoping their homely cafe will get off to a flying start.

Sisters Jo Burrage, Margaret Porritt and Janet Maguire — who run 3 Quirky Birdz Catering — have taken over the newly-refurbished cafe at Heaton Fold Garden Centre.

The pop-up cafe in Overdale Drive is offering hot meals, homemade cakes and a festive menu in the run-up to Christmas and if successful will re-open next year.

At the weekend launch Mrs Burrage said a love of “good food and good company” inspired the cafe.

She added: “We want people to come here and enjoy some homely well-made food.

“It will be a warm, welcoming space for people to meet friends or hold a meeting, and I know this will be great for ladies in particular because it is important to have that support network.

“There is a lovely view over the valley. It is very peaceful. This is a big step for us and we are really hoping people get behind it.”

In the past Mrs Burrage, who is originally from Ashton under Lyne but now lives in Ainsworth Avenue, has worked in catering and kitchens her whole life.

She added: “We will also be launching a service where friends or colleagues could call in advance, book a time slot and order their food, then it will be ready for when they arrive, because we know how busy people are.”

The cafe will be open between 9.30am and 3.30pm every Thursday until December 18, between 9.30am and 3pm every Friday until December 19, and 10am until 3.30pm each Saturday and Sunday until December 21. It will also be open on December 22, 23 and 24.

Bolton Council’s cabinet member for community services, Cllr Sufrana Bashir-Ismail, said: “With the varied menu, and attractive setting, it will be the perfect location to stop for a nibble or a hot drink.”

For more information follow @3quirkybirdzJo on Twitter or go to heatonfold.co.uk