Sheffield café to bring Easter surprise to families under lockdown

Tony and Paula Dunn have owned the Rhubarb Shed Cafe in Manor for 10 years.

They have organised the hunt and will be delivering chocolate eggs to random houses in the S2 area bear their business on Easter Sunday morning.

Tony, aged 40, said: “At least some people can wake up to an Easter egg on Sunday morning.

“It’s just for something to give back to the community.”

Residents in Sheffield and supermarket chains Tesco and Co-op have all donated eggs to the couple for their Easter treat.

Tony and Paula, 34, have also bought some eggs themselves that they will distribute free of charge on Sunday.

Under the conditions of the Covid-19 lockdown, Tony and Paula, , of Upperthorpe, have had to completely change the business model of the Rhubarb Shed.

The business, at Manor Lodge, is now focused on delivering food packages to homes in the S2 postcode area.

The couple have been distributing fruits, vegetables, meats, milks, breads and cakes to the community.

Tony said people have been very appreciative of the new food parcel delivery system. He said: “It’s not making us loads of money because, unlike when we had a café, were not looking to profit here and make a fortune on things.

“We’re just looking to pay ourselves a wage and as long as we can get a wage and pay our staff wages out of it, that’s all we can really ask for.”

The couple are looking at expanding the delivery service, but say they remain open-minded about their next move.

Mr Dunn said: “We’re just going to ask the customers, the same as we asked the customers before, ‘what is it you want’.”

Tony and Paula are currently accepting Easter egg donations from anyone who wants to contribute to their hunt on Sunday morning.

Donated Easter eggs can be dropped off at the Rhubarb Shed, Manor Lane, which the couple are still using as a collection point for people wanting to pick up food packages.