Words - Ossian Jones
Photography - Superfast Photography
Tucked away on the cobbled paving of Surrey Street in Sheffield, lies one of the city’s oldest cafes, Lynne’s Pantry. Like all small catering businesses, it took a hit during COVID, making it harder than ever to run.
So, in June 2021, to help attract some new customers, combining Lynne’s Pantry owner Mat’s love of Porsche and his good friend Richard’s experience of organisng car meets, Lynne’s Pantry Breakfast Crew was formed. Each Saturday morning, whilst the city centre is still asleep, a group of Porsche enthusiasts get together to have a coffee, one of Lynne's famous bacon baps and talk all things Porsche.
The meet-up was an instant success - so much so that in early 2022 the Breakfast Crew outgrew it is original home, and moved just down the road to the old industrial powerhouse, Kelham Island. Situated just up the river from the historic Bessemer Converter, and a stone's throw from the little Kelham development - a collection of new eco-friendly houses and apartments designed to reflect and celebrate the vast history of this industrial heartland - the new venue has the capacity to hold larger events and more cars.
Despite the move, the Breakfast Crew meet has yet again proven to be a hit with everyone, with members flocking from near and far, including the West Coast of Wales! Although not as regular, a midweek burger night is seemingly just as much of a hit. But what makes it so popular? For me, it is the community that has been created: one week, as a bit of amusing camaraderie, someone bought everyone a yellow hat as Tom, a regular, only wore yellow hats. When attending you will be greeted by an array of Porsche enthusiasts, from young car spotters to Porsche owners in their early 20s and right up to those who have loved cars their whole life and are sharing their passion for Porsches with others in the car community.
Speaking to many of the attendees, it is apparent that the Breakfast Crew’s success is not only down to one thing, there are many contributing factors to it: the high-quality food, the variety of cars, and most importantly, the people. No matter what people do 9-5, everyone who attends leaves their egos at home and come to enjoy the food and vibe that Mat, Richard, and everyone involved has managed to perfect.