Sunderland tearoom in running for WOW247 award

A mother and daughter team are bidding to pick up their second Sunderland Echo award in months.
AWARDS NIGHT: Sunderland Echo's Portfolio 2015 Business Awards night at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland Picture: DAVID WOODAWARDS NIGHT: Sunderland Echo's Portfolio 2015 Business Awards night at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland Picture: DAVID WOOD
AWARDS NIGHT: Sunderland Echo's Portfolio 2015 Business Awards night at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland Picture: DAVID WOOD

Rachel, 27, and Kathryn, 52, Meadows have already won a Portfolio Award for their venture Katie’s Garden which brings together vintage crafts and a tearoom in High Street West, Sunniside, Sunderland.

Now, they have been nominated for a WOW247 Awards trophy in the competition run by the Echo and its sister paper the Shields Gazette. Rachel said: “It’s a shock. We never expected anything like this.

Sunderland Echo Portfolio nominess Rachel Meadows (right) and mum Kathryn Medaows in their crafty cafe Katieâ¬"s Garden in High Street West Sunderland.Sunderland Echo Portfolio nominess Rachel Meadows (right) and mum Kathryn Medaows in their crafty cafe Katieâ¬"s Garden in High Street West Sunderland.
Sunderland Echo Portfolio nominess Rachel Meadows (right) and mum Kathryn Medaows in their crafty cafe Katieâ¬"s Garden in High Street West Sunderland.
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“It was lovely to win a Portfolio award and it is lovely to be nominated for this as well.”

It is still less than a year since Rachel and Kathryn first opened Katie’s Garden. It’s a family affair as Rachel’s father-in-law James Lumley provides invaluable help behind the scenes, and her fiance Craig Lumley,has provided investment in the business.

The nomination for WOW247 means the company is in the running in two categories - Contribution to Culture and Best Attraction.

The submission said: “The business is designed to empower crafters of all abilities to make their own little self contained craft packs in store on their visit. A genius idea as, along with the staff’s, help you leave in the belief you can make anything.”

Sunderland Echo Portfolio nominess Rachel Meadows (right) and mum Kathryn Medaows in their crafty cafe Katieâ¬"s Garden in High Street West Sunderland.Sunderland Echo Portfolio nominess Rachel Meadows (right) and mum Kathryn Medaows in their crafty cafe Katieâ¬"s Garden in High Street West Sunderland.
Sunderland Echo Portfolio nominess Rachel Meadows (right) and mum Kathryn Medaows in their crafty cafe Katieâ¬"s Garden in High Street West Sunderland.
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It described Katie’s Garden as a “little gem really putting Sunderland on the map for an alternative experience.”

After winning the Portfolio Awards New Business category, Katie’s Garden is now hoping for more success.

Why not put in your own favourites for our competition, which is backed by UK Asbestos Specialists (UKasl), The Marsden Grotton Private Beach and Downey’s Fish and Chip Restaurant in Roker and Seaham.

We want to find the best in South Tyneside and Wearside’s arts, culture, hospitality and leisure scene. Nominations can be sent in until February 1. Then, judges will draw up a shortlist in each category.

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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.

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