New cafe opens in Telford park after spur‑of‑the‑moment idea from mum-of-seven

A Telford woman has breathed new life into a local park with the opening of a new coffee cabin.

Katcha Latte, a new coffee cabin in Dawley Park, has officially opened its hatch - marking the start of a community‑minded venture driven by Telford mum‑of‑seven Katrina Mason, 53.

Katrina, who lives in Telford, said the idea for the café came about almost by accident after a conversation at the local veterans’ club.

After enquiring about the future of the vacant cabin in the park, Katrina was told the town council was on the hunt for a new tenant.

“I thought, how about it?” she said. “That was Easter so it’s all happened quite quickly.”

The new venture is quite a change for the former hairdresser, who has spent much of the last three decades raising her seven children.

She said: “It’s definitely something different, I’d never even made a coffee like that before!”

Katrina said the outdoors has played a huge part in her life, especially in supporting her mental health, and she hopes the cabin will help others reconnect with nature too.

“I love camping, hiking and wild swimming. My own mental health made me appreciate the outdoors and find myself again,” she said.

“I have visions of bringing yoga in the park and walks-and-talks - stuff to get people outside.”

The cabin, which is open every day but Tuesday, is already serving coffees, cakes and iced drinks, but Katrina hopes to expand the menu with savoury options including children’s packed lunches and afternoon teas.

Great Dawley Town Council said the opening event on Friday, May 8, drew strong support from local residents.

A spokesperson said the cabin brings “much‑needed facilities” to the park.

They added: “We wish the team at Katcha Latte every success and encourage residents to continue supporting this fantastic new community facility.”

The project has been supported by the council’s Pride in Our High Street grant, something Telford MP Shaun Davies said was already making a difference.

“It’s always inspiring to see Telford people turn their ideas and ambitions into a success, bringing new energy and opportunity to our town,” he said.

“It’s great that the council’s Pride in Our High Street grant has been able to play a part in helping Katrina bring this vision to life… I wish Katrina, and her family, the best of luck with this new adventure.”

Updates, including changes to opening times, will be posted online on the cafe’s social media pages.