Love at first bite for Doncaster couple

Jo-Louise and Kevin Martin, of Balby enjoy a romantic afternoon tea at Thorntons Cafe, Lakeside, where they met over five years ago on a blind date and are now married, with their children Finley, two and Oliver, seven mnths. Picture: Andrew Roe

The pair met on a blind date at Thornton’s Café, Lakeside Village, more than five years ago and now they’ve returned to relive the moment their eyes first met.

Kevin and Jo-Louise Martin, who are now married and living in Balby with their two children, Finley and Oliver, were invited to take a trip down memory lane and go back to Thornton’s Café for a romantic afternoon tea.

Jo-Louise said: “After we met on an online dating site, we agreed to meet at Lakeside Village for our first date – halfway between my then-home in Doncaster and Kevin’s in Sheffield.

“I remember walking into Thornton’s Café, a little flustered because I was late, and seeing him standing there with a hot chocolate just smiling at me. There were definitely butterflies but we’ve never looked back.”

Since then, the café has held a special place in the couple’s hearts.

“We always visit Thornton’s at Lakeside Village on the anniversary of our first date, to relive those first butterflies and show our children where mummy and daddy met, too.

“It’s crazy, looking back. You don’t go to a café and expect to meet the love of your life, but five years on we’re so happy together and it’s been a lovely experience returning again for a special and quite emotional afternoon tea there.”

The pair were treated to a romantic afternoon tea at Thornton’s Café, complete with red roses and a chocolate hamper.

Cheryl Sadler, centre manager at Lakeside Village, said: “We were thrilled when we heard Jo and Kevin’s story.

It’s wonderful to think love blossomed here at Lakeside Village and so we just had to get in touch with the couple to invite them back to mark Valentine’s Day.”