A POPULAR Hexham ice cream parlour is set to be expanded, with its owner hoping the new space will become a community hub for the town.

Molly Moo’s is leasing the upstairs of the building, on St Mary’s Chare.

A stud wall will be knocked down and the new space upstairs will be able to be accessed from the current parlour’s space.

The plan is to use it to have additional seating and be able to hold “bigger and better” children’s parties, but owner Jennie Wright said: “I want to use it for more than that.”

She said she wants the space to become a community hub, with game consoles, iPads, computers and board games available.

Jennie added she wants the space to be used for events, such as comedy clubs.

There is a desk already installed in the space, and Jennie said they plan to rent it out.

Last week, the parlour could start serving customers who wish to enjoy their treats sitting down outside, rather than just takeaways.

“It’s lovely just to see people sitting,” Jennie said.

The parlour uses Cream O’Galloway ice cream in a multitude of flavours, and caters for vegans, diabetics, and those with gluten free requirements.

It offers milkshakes, smoothies, waffles and pancakes.

The parlour also serves savoury food, such as jacket potatoes, nachos and burgers, and offers customers meal deals.

There are currently eight part-time staff at Molly Moo’s, and Jennie said with the expansion, she will be able to offer full-time positions soon.

She also said they have been very busy recently.

“It’s not a bad problem to have!” she added.

Last year, the parlour started a ‘Pay it forward’ scheme.

Customers can purchase a meal or treat for others at a discount and the parlour also contributes to the scheme too.

Jennie said customers donated amounts including £100 and £50.

“Everybody has just been brilliant,” she said.

They have recently received a bespoke cart, which Jennie said she hopes will be able to go to events and around the town. Jennie is currently applying for a trader’s licence.

Jennie took over Molly Moo’s from her friend, Lorraine Whitfield, in 2019.

The business moved from the Cattle Market into its current premises on St Mary’s Chare.