Puffers Cafe has a room with a view

Nov 27 2009 by Lorraine Howard, Irvine Herald

REACHING the final of the West FM Young Business Person of the Year Award was a big accolade for Irvine’s Craig Denholm.

But being able to see his catering business go full steam ahead and run his dream cafe means even more to this 31-year-old.

Craig is now at the helm of Puffers Cafe, a restaurant he believes has the best view in the town.

“It really is a room with a view,” said Craig.

“I’ve been involved in the catering industry since I was 14 and to see my own cafe open up with this view of Irvine harbour, is a dream come true.

“Being nominated for Young Business Person of the Year was also a high spot for me.

“It’s hard to believe I’ve gone from doing sandwiches for factories in Irvine to running my own outside catering company, Tasteee Catering Services and owning Puffers, it’s been a good year.”

A chance meeting at a function in Ayr led to Craig landing a two-week contract for the Burns An’ A That Festival.

“I was serving at a function and I heard a man say that finding a catering company was a nightmare,” said Craig.

“I decided to take the plunge and ask him if I could bid for it and before I knew it we were serving the crew for the festival.

“I suppose it was good timing and really, that gave me the confidence to go it alone.”

Now Craig, who has also catered for Irvine Trades May Ball and their Big Pie, is looking for a charity group who would like their catering covered by him.

He went on: “I really would like to help the community, I live in Kirkgate and work here every day.

“So, I’m hoping that a charity group who want to hold a function get in touch with me. We’re about to host a big do for Irvine Burns Club Lasses and Puffers has such a great view and atmosphere, I’m hoping to have my own family Hogmanay party down here too.”

The old Puffers cabin was demolished and now the new cafe has a child-friendly area and chill-out zone.

He even lets kids eat for free if their accompanying adult is having a meal.

“It was my wife Diane who found there weren’t many places with a child area and as we have a three-year-old it’s handy,” said Craig.

But one thing’s for sure, every seat in the cafe has a bird’s eye view of the harbour.

“I wanted to make sure that no matter where people sat they could have a look out,” said Craig.

“And a few times I’ve happened to look and see Sammy the seal. You would be amazed the wildlife that’s here on our doorstep, it’s amazing.

“We really do have the best view in Irvine.”

Contact Craig on 0800 756 6587.