South Shields cafe hoping to seal second gong at WOW247 awards

A husband and wife have praised their team of staff for helping them receive a nomination for a Shields Gazette award.
The Clifton cafe has been nominated for a WOW247 award. Owner's Scott and Liz CarlucciThe Clifton cafe has been nominated for a WOW247 award. Owner's Scott and Liz Carlucci
The Clifton cafe has been nominated for a WOW247 award. Owner's Scott and Liz Carlucci

The Clifton Cafe in Ocean Road, South Shields is in the running in the Bistro/Café of the Year category of the WOW247 Awards.

But owner Liz Carlucci, who runs the business with husband and co-owner Scott Carlucci, was keen to share the plaudits.

The Clifton cafe has been nominated for a WOW247 award. Owner's Scott and Liz Carlucci with staff from left Donna Lowery, Callum Frazer and Catherine MarshallThe Clifton cafe has been nominated for a WOW247 award. Owner's Scott and Liz Carlucci with staff from left Donna Lowery, Callum Frazer and Catherine Marshall
The Clifton cafe has been nominated for a WOW247 award. Owner's Scott and Liz Carlucci with staff from left Donna Lowery, Callum Frazer and Catherine Marshall

“It’s our staff,” she said.

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“They have made it for us and our success is not only because of our customers. It is our staff as well.”

The nomination for the Clifton praised the “friendly owners, good atmosphere, nice food, themed afternoon teas and constantly updated menus.”

Liz described the news of the nomination as “overwhelming”, especially as the Clifton won the Gazette’s Cafe of the Year award just last year.

The Clifton cafe has been nominated for a WOW247 award. Owner's Scott and Liz Carlucci with staff from left Donna Lowery, Callum Frazer and Catherine MarshallThe Clifton cafe has been nominated for a WOW247 award. Owner's Scott and Liz Carlucci with staff from left Donna Lowery, Callum Frazer and Catherine Marshall
The Clifton cafe has been nominated for a WOW247 award. Owner's Scott and Liz Carlucci with staff from left Donna Lowery, Callum Frazer and Catherine Marshall

Despite its success, Liz is planning to build for the future.

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The cafe is being extended to make more space for events such as ladies club meetings, baby showers and birthday parties.

And a library room is being added to make more of a snug area for occasions such as afternoon teas. A team of six people work at the Clifton which Liz and Scott have run since November 2014.

Customers describe it as a home from home, a hidden gem, unique experience and a modern cafe with all the best aspects of a traditional feel.

Liz added: “Customers come in because we know them and we talk to them.

“We are very customer focused.”

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The Clifton Cafe joins a growing list of entries for this year’s awards but there is still time for others to get involved.

We want to find the best in South Tyneside and Wearside’s arts, culture, hospitality and leisure scene.

Nominations can be sent in until the deadline of February 1. After that, judges will meet to draw up a shortlist in each category.

The Best Western Roker Hotel will host the finale of our competition – held in association with our weekly entertainments guide, Wow 24/7 – on Thursday, February 25.

l To nominate, fill in the form on this page or visit www.jpne-events.co.uk