A new cafe on the main street of Kirup has ensured owner Lynlee Rutten’s long term dream of owning her own business has come to fruition.
The self-taught cook decided to open the cafe when the century old building came up for lease, providing the perfect setting for her dream cafe, Lady Marmalade.
“I have been wanting to do this for about 25 years so when this building became available I decided it was the right time to get started,” Lynlee said.
“I worked at a cafe in Balingup for many years, then when they sold up I decided to go and do my own thing.”
The family run business provides home-style breakfasts and lunches, as well as a delightful choice of cakes and slices and has rapidly built up a reputation in the South West for being the place to visit.
“We are getting a pretty good name, we cook everything from scratch, use local produce as much as we can and ensure we get good quality produce to use.
“I’m ridiculous about making everything ourselves, the mayonnaise, the chutneys, the sauces and the pies. We make all the pastries and cakes and my favorite, Lemon Meringue cake, which sells like crazy.”
Lynlee’s husband and children also enjoy the benefits of a family owned and run business, with husband Gary working in the kitchen on his weeks home from work, 16-year-old daughter Georgia waitressing on weekends, and 10-year-old son Will helping out when he can.
The pies are made with locally sourced beef and Gary is building a reputation for making the best fried chicken in the south.
Breakfast is also forging a reputation with the delectable menu, offering brioche French toast served with mascarpone, honey and rosewater cream, pistachio crumble, topped with berries.
Lynlee’s reputation for baking cakes has spread like wildfire, with frequent orders for wedding and birthday cakes keeping her busy.
“I can’t believe how many cakes we make each week, it is ridiculous,” she said.
“It is great to finally have my own cafe, I love it and it is so much fun.
“It is the most difficult thing I have ever done, but I just love it.”
Check out some of the delicious treats available on the Facebook page “ladymarmaladebakes”, or call in to the cafe on South West Highway in Kirup.
Best thing about having the business is being able to cook what I want when I want to.
- Lynlee Rutter, Lady Marmalade Cafe proprietor
