(Image: Supplied)
A Barnard Castle café owner who dreamed of running her own café from the age of eight is celebrating after an unexpected voicemail revealed her business had reached a national awards final.
Moments Café, in the town's Market Place, has been shortlisted for Café of the Year at The Food Awards England 2026.
Owner Carly Payne said: "I was getting on with my morning baking when I picked up a voicemail asking me to contact the awards organisers.
"At first I actually though it could be a scam.
Window from the cellar at Moments, Barnard Castle (Image: Chris Lloyd)
"I had no idea someone had nominated us, so discovering we’d been shortlisted was such a surprise.
"To whoever nominated us, thank you – it means the world to our team.
"Even if we don’t win, I cannot begin to express what this means to my eight-year-old self who dreamed of running a café.
"Now we’ve made it this far, we’d absolutely love to win.
Inside the children's hidey-hole in Moments, Barnard Castle (Image: Chris Lloyd)
"Every vote is appreciated, and we’re so grateful for everyone’s support."
Ms Payne opened Moments in May 2018, fulfilling a lifelong ambition.
Growing up in a large family with different dietary needs, she wanted to create a place where everyone could enjoy food without feeling excluded.
The café is known for its inclusive menu, offering homemade cakes, breakfasts, brunches, light lunches, and afternoon teas, with vegan and gluten-free options.
Inside the cellar at Moments, Barnard Castle (Image: Chris Lloyd)
It has become a favourite spot for both locals and visitors, thanks to its strong community ties and welcoming atmosphere.
The Northern Echo's Chris Lloyd reviewed the cafe after enjoying dining there in September.
The team is now asking customers and the wider community to support Moments by voting before the October 26 deadline.
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Inside the cellar at Moments, Barnard Castle (Image: Chris Lloyd)
The café supports the Storehouse foodbank, partners with local suppliers such as McFarlanes Butchers and Lonton Coffee, and hosts a weekly Chatty Café session to help combat loneliness.
Supporters can cast their vote under category 15, Café of the Year, at surveymonkey.com/r/FoodAwardsEngland2026.
Winners will be announced at the tenth annual Food Awards England ceremony, organised by Oceanic Awards, at the Grand Station in Wolverhampton on November 9.