Bronny Lenik loved Leeds so much as a student that she decided to make it her home. That decision led to her meeting her husband Mark, an Otley local who grew up in the town and went to St Joseph’s Primary School. The two married, and in 2016, they made the move back to Otley with their son, Jude, ready to put down roots in the place Mark knew so well.

Bronny is now the proud owner of the Secret Garden Café, which opened in January 2025, bringing new life to a much-loved and historic building. This isn’t just a café; it’s a labour of love. For over 30 years, the space was home to the award-winning Patisserie Viennoise, a haven for chocolate lovers under the expert hands of Trevor Backhouse. When Bronny took it over, she knew she had big shoes to fill — but rather than erase the past, she embraced it.

She’s poured heart and soul into getting the details just right, from tracking down old photos of the shop in its previous life, to carefully selecting period furniture that complements the rustic charm.

The walls have been stripped back to their original stone and brickwork, and a beautiful new floor has been laid in a style that nods to the building’s rich history.

Mark, busy with his own successful career as a photographer, helps out when he can —but make no mistake, this is Bronny’s dream. And she seems to be onto something special. Whether it’s for a morning coffee, a slice of cake, or just a moment to soak up the charm of a lovingly restored space, Secret Garden is fast becoming a local favourite

• Listing ID: 4564

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