Owner seeks new Norfolk home for UK’s first capybara café

Jemma Aldridge had previously said she hoped to launch the business in Toftwood, near Dereham, where she lives with her two children.

However, Breckland Council sparked confusion this week after it revealed it had not granted any of the necessary permissions for the unique venture.

Ms Aldridge has now clarified that the patch of land she had considered in Toftwood had been deemed unsuitable for the animals.

However, her dream lives on, and she claims the café could now be opening “anywhere” in Norfolk.

Capybaras are the biggest rodent in the world (Image: Denise Bradley) She added: “I am very much still in talks with the council and going full steam ahead.”

Following the announcement of the new business, which will serve coffee and cakes for those visiting the animals, Ms Aldridge said she had received “so much love and support from people across Norfolk and beyond”. 

Nevertheless, speaking on social media this week, she said some people had been “rude” about her idea. 

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She still hopes to open the business near Dereham, to be close to home, but said in response to Breckland Council that a planning application would not necessarily be lodged in the district. 

In a post this week, Breckland Council said: “There has been a lot of misinformation on social media claiming that we have approved plans for a capybara café.

“However, this is not the case. Breckland Council has not approved or received any applications for a capybara café.

“If we do receive an application, we will consider it in accordance with national legislation and guidance.”

Jemma Aldridge (Image: The Capybara Cafe) Ms Aldridge has stressed that her business idea remains in the early stages and she will seek the required planning permission, licences, and acquire the animals themselves after she has found an appropriate site. 

At this stage, she does not have planning permission or a licence to keep or display the animals, but has made a “financial commitment” to two capybaras, which she has named Clover and Sweet Pea. 

The rodents are closely related to guinea pigs and are found throughout northern and central South America.

Ms Aldridge has already launched a line of merchandise, including scrunchies, t-shirts and backpacks, in the hopes of raising funds for the business.