A new café at the Red House Glass Cone in Wordsley has helped drive a significant increase in visitor numbers to the Grade II listed heritage attraction. Heavenly Baking At The Cone, which opened in October 2025, attracted enough additional visitors in the first three months of 2026 to boost overall numbers by more than 1,600 compared with the same period in 2025.
The café is owned and managed by Zoe, a 35-year-old caterer with 19 years' experience. It operates seven days a week from 10am to 4pm, serving barista-made coffee, freshly prepared breakfasts and lunches, alongside handmade cakes. Gluten-free and vegan options are available. The café's bestselling item is the traditional Manchester tart — a pastry filled with jam, cake cream and topped with toasted coconut.
Local sourcing and community focus
Following a philosophy of "small supporting small", the café sources as many ingredients as possible from local Black Country and West Midlands suppliers.
An upstairs event space accommodates up to 40 guests and is available for private hire, including baby showers, afternoon teas and celebrations. The café is located beside the canal in the historic setting of the Glass Cone.
Owner's background and employment support
Zoe also runs the successful Heavenly Baking restaurant at Walsall Garden Centre. Following a life-changing operation in 2013, she pursued her passion for catering and has since built a business that supports young people in gaining skills, confidence and employment opportunities.
Working alongside a local college, Zoe has provided training to students with additional needs. Several have progressed into employment — one former student now manages her Walsall venue, while another has become an accomplished baker supplying treats to both businesses.
Zoe said: "Customers often tell us they came for a coffee and cake and ended up spending hours exploring the Cone and its fascinating history. The Red House Glass Cone is such a special place. It absolutely exudes history, but it's also incredibly peaceful, sitting right next to the canal."
