A tribute to Darwen Market café owner Ste Fay

It was announced over the weekend that Ste Fay, the owner of ‘Biscuit Barrel Café’, or ‘Ste’s Place’ as it’s more commonly known, has passed away.

Nobody could visit Darwen Market without noticing Ste. He was a larger-than-life character who often shouted across the market annexe ‘Is everybody happy?’.

Ste first got involved in Darwen Market in 2007. He ran ‘Biscuit Barrel Café’, which everyone fondly calls ‘Ste’s Place’. The walls of the cafe are decorated with old photos of Darwen which Ste had sourced over the years.

Ste was married to Michelle, who passed away last year. He spoke about Michelle every day and will no doubt be so happy to be reunited with her.

Debra Houldsworth, Markets Manager for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said:

Ste was a loveable character with a great sense of humour. Reading through the tributes for him online, it just shows what a lovely chap he was and that he will be sadly missed.

Thank you for making Darwen Market’s atmosphere so warm and inviting Ste, there’s no doubt that everyone will feel a big hole when visiting from now on.

To his family and friends, from everyone at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, we offer our thoughts to you.