See farmyard animals while enjoying lunch at a new horsebox café

The Donkey Box Café recently opened at Vale Farm in Gowthorpe Lane in Swainsthorpe, which is located just south of Norwich.

It is run by Jenny Sheldrake, 45, who previously worked as a teacher for more than 20 years.

The Donkey Box Cafe serves sweet and savoury croissants and a range of other treats. (Image: Archant)

Most recently she was at Stoke Holy Cross Primary School as a teaching assistant and French teacher.

She said: "For a long time I have wanted to be self-employed and I have always loved baking and the idea of running a café.

"I love French culture and the concept is doing sweet and savoury croissants and coffees alongside lots of homemade bakes."

Jenny Sheldrake serves homemade bakes in the cafe. (Image: Archant)

Mrs Sheldrake took on the smallholding with her husband Mark just over a year ago and he previously ran Malthouse Farm in Swainsthorpe with his brother.

They have two children, Hannah, 14, and Ellie, 12, and the farm is home to two donkeys called Sid and Benji, which the converted horsebox café takes inspiration from.

Vale Farm is home to a flock of sheep and other farmyard animals. (Image: Archant)

There is also a small flock of sheep, ducks, pigmy goats and some chickens, with free-range eggs sold on the driveway.

Alongside the croissants and range of hot drinks, with plant-based milk available, The Donkey Box Café serve salads, sausage rolls, with a vegan option too, cakes and cookies.

Jenny Sheldrake has always wanted to open her own cafe. (Image: Archant)

She also does a French-style lemonade called a diabolo which is mixed with syrup.

Mrs Sheldrake added: "It has been great so far and people really love it and are excited something like this is happening locally.

"We have had lots of walkers and cyclists and even a horse came in."

Enjoy lunch al fresco at The Donkey Box Cafe. (Image: Archant)

People can eat there on crockery, with picnic benches and blankets available, or takeaway and there is space for parking.

In the autumn and winter months, the horsebox will be moved into the yard of the smallholding under a pole barn.

The menu available at The Donkey Box Cafe. (Image: Archant)

A five-pitch caravan site, affiliated to the Caravan and Motorhome Club, has also recently opened there.

The café is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm but is closed from September 20 to September 22.