Wind Dog Cafe

INTERVIEW WITH BABETTE EIKELMANN

TEN QUESTIONS TO THE OWNER OF THE WIND DOG CAFE ON YELL

Babette Eikelmann is the new owner of the Wind Dog Cafe on Yell. Although the primary focus of the cafe is to sell quality food and drinks, there is also a wider focus on the Cafe, as an integral part of the local community. The Cafe has a small library of books and an art section, where work from local artists is displayed. It is also a 'drop in' for people from the surrounding area and from all over Yell. Also, if you are lucky, you may see the patrolling geese (see picture below) that have been regulars outside the cafe for longer than anyone can remember!

1. Where is the Wind Dog Cafe located?

At the northern end of Yell (the second biggest of the Shetland Isles)
right next to the ferry terminal to the Island of Unst.

2. How did you hear about the Wind Dog cafe?

The Wind Dog Cafe is a place you just 'know about' when you are in
Shetland. I always associate storytelling evenings and great homebakes
with the cafe. And when I stopped by in July and saw that it was for
sale... 

3. What do you think is unique about the Wind Dog Cafe?

A great mix of people: locals, visitors, artists - the Cafe has a great
vibe and a very relaxed atmosphere. People almost treat it as a 'home
from home'.

4. Will you be using locally sourced ingredients in your recipes?

Yes! As much as possible (and as much as the food Hygiene Regulations
allow.

5. What is your favourite dish at the Wind Dog Cafe?

I haven't got one yet - there are always new specials, but for
Halloween week probably 'Halloween Pumpkin Pasties' (my take on the
Cornish Pasty, but with Lamb and pumpkin)

6. Is there any wildlife near the Wind Dog Cafe?

You never know what you might see - but there are Whooper Swans on the
Loch opposite, and the famous 'patrolling geese'.

7. Will you be hosting any special events?

Every month - mostly in accordance with the seasons, such as Halloween
night with food and Storytelling, Something around Bonfire Night,
Christmas etc.
That's when we'll put on 'seasonal specials' at the Cafe as well. see
the 'special events page on the website.

8. How does the Wind Dog Cafe integrate into the local community?

It's a local hub for the community. Once the summer is over and the
tourists are gone, the Cafe is still here - and open!
I intend to keep it open throughout the winter (barring horrendous
weather) except perhaps a week or two beginning of January.

9. Where do you see yourself and the Wind Dog Cafe in 10 years?

Still here, still doing what the Cafe does best. But with a revamped
interior (actually, I'm planning to modernise a little next year), maybe
even larger premises.
But with a great reputation for excellent food and a great buzz around
the place.

10. Where can I find out more information about The Wind Dog Cafe?

Through our website - which is www.winddogcafe.co.uk