'I moved from the USA to the UK for love - there was one big thing I had to adjust to'

Philadelphia, with its iconic cityscape and role in American history, is a world apart from the quaint and of England. Yet Philadelphian Suzy Whillis has opted to exchange her urban lifestyle for the tranquil Lancashire countryside's charm.

Suzy worked as a Retail Sales Manager for a craft brewery in her home city for over 20 years. Honing her love for hospitality, she spent her time taste-testing new and eateries popping up in Philadelphia. Her life took an unexpected turn during an evening at Fergie's, a local Irish pub near City Hall.

That night, celebrating the pub's anniversary, she met Dave, the Lancashire man who would become her husband.

Suzy recollects the vibrant festivities: "We met at a pub, it was the anniversary of the pub so everyone was celebrating there that night," and added: "It was right by City Hall in the centre of things, an Irish pub called Fergie's."

She detailed the annual tradition that followed: "The Monday after Thanksgiving every year, they have a big party to celebrate their birthday. Here, we did free lunches for everyone and you just do something to mark the occasion.

"Everybody knew everybody because they're always at Fergie's, so we put out food, shrimp, and it's a proper party over two floors and he just walks in like America's guest. He was enjoying it, because he didn't have to pay for anything - frugal British you know?"

The local love story of Suzy and her now-husband, which started with a karaoke song at a bar, has taken yet another enchanting turn as they've settled down in Leyland, following their move to the UK and marriage.

Suzy recently opened the Thyme On The Yarrow coffee shop in Croston this past January 2024, taking over as the fourth proprietor since the establishment's shift in focus back in 2015.

Adapting to British culture while adding her own zest, Suzy quipped about language barriers despite speaking English, "Yes we speak the same language, but culturally, there are a lot of differences and I've had to adjust to that. Knowing when I can bring my flairs and weird words and knowing when I can bring my background, so it's still what people want."

She recounted a humorous clash of culinary terms with her husband: "At first when we opened we had egg mayo and Dijon and I was calling it Egg Dijonnaise and my husband was like, you have to stop. Egg Dijonnaise? People want egg and mayonnaise, salt and pepper and leave it alone."

Bringing her unique touch to familiar dishes has been Suzy's trademark approach, and the effort to elevate classic eats is evident.

"One of the things I try and do with the menu here is keep it at usual suspects, things that you might see around, but when it shows up there might be a little twist or an elevation. You'll have a ham and cheese toastie, but it might look a bit different than somewhere else."

Focusing on quality, Suzy concludes with her philosophy that spices up tradition without upending it.

"At the end of the day, it's really good ham, really thick and some herbs and spices. It's how I'm trying to bring something exciting but also respect the tradition that keeps people coming in."

Located in the heart of Croston, Thyme on the Yarrow cafe is a seven-day-a-week operation run by Suzy and her team of local mothers, catering to both villagers and passers-by travelling to nearby Southport and other surrounding areas.

Suzy noted that the cafe benefits from a steady stream of contractors working on local projects, as well as tourists.

"We have a lot of passing trade and contractors coming in who are working on projects in the area," she said. "There's about 2,900 people in the village."

One of the cafe's staff members, Julie, relocated to Croston due to its family-friendly atmosphere, which Suzy also appreciates.

"Julie, who works here, moved to Croston because it's just such a nice place for three boys to raise them. There's so many families around here."

Suzy also mentioned the village's eclectic mix of establishments, including traditional pubs and a Bangladeshi restaurant, Panshi.

"I think there also used to be seven pubs, but I think we're down to five now. I also really like Panshi, the Bangladesh restaurant - it's also really random to have a Bangladesh restaurant next to your classic traditional English pub."

Thyme on the Yarrow is open daily until 4pm, offering a constantly changing menu featuring classic sandwiches, toasties, and sweet treats like cakes, biscuits, and coffee.