From Dawson's to Roys Rolls: the history of the cafe on Corrie

There's nothing nicer than have a sit down in a cafe and enjoying a nice cuppa tea and cake with a friend. Have a cuppa now, and read about the history and evolution of the cafe in Coronation Street. We've had a local cafe in the show since the mid 1970's when the Kabin had a few tables in the back room and served cups to tea and coffee. In 1978, Joe Dawson opened up a bakery/cafe on Rosamund Street. Cups of tea and coffee were served along with fresh cakes and later, sandwiches for a light lunch. Dawson sold the cafe to Jim Sedgwick who renamed it Jim's cafe and his wife Alma won "custody" of it in their divorce. By that time, Gail Tilsley was managing the place with the help of Phyllis Pearce. The cafe served up breakfast as well as light lunches and takeaway items.

Through the link below, you will find out more about the history of the caff.

Alma eventually took a bit more interest in the cafe and she and Gail worked side by side with occasional extra hands pitching in from the likes of Phyllis and a young Martin Platt. Gail became a partner in the cafe but it came to pass, though, that Alma's new husband, Mike, needed money badly and Alma decided to sell off her share. Gail couldn't afford to buy it but quirky new cafe worker Roy Cropper had the cash and became Gail's new partner. He was a bit odd but they seemed to rub along all right. Since Roy was the majority owner, he decided to change the name to Roys Rolls.

In 1998, new construction was underway on Victoria Street and Roy decided to move his business there. Gail was a bit dubious but went along for the ride. Shiny new premises opened in 1999 to the sound of gushing water, streaming out of a pipe that had had a nail knocked into it hastily. While the repairs were ongoing, a portable food vending cart was set up in place outside but soon, the cafe was fixed and ready to go. Roy bought out Gail's share a year later, when her marriage to Martin skidded to a painful halt and she had a young teenage daughter with a baby of her own on her hands to deal with.

Over the years, Roy's keen interest in trains has slowly permeated the atmosphere of the cafe, making itself known in all the decorations on the walls. Even the placemats have pictures of antique trains! Roy has expanded the menu to include more substantial fare such as lasagna, curry and "frothy coffee" but you can still get a full English fry up complete with beans if you want!

Roy has employed many assistants in his term so far. Young Toyah Battersby was unexpectedly reliable for a time. Sarah Platt worked there for quite awhile as well. Even Vera took her place behind the counter and when she was not well, neighbour Frankie Baldwin took over and then kept on working there after Vera returned. More recently, Becky has been slinging beans though she's caused trouble from the start, including accidentally causing a fire!