Patricia Igual’s attitude has always been to go with the flow.

So when her high-powered job as a construction project manager got too intense, she decided to opt for a change of direction.

Ms Igual, who is originally from Valencia, and her partner Daniel, decided during lockdown to launch The Paper Boat Cafe.

And when the Old Tollhouse at Folly Bridge became available they agreed to rent it from a private owner.

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The cafe manager, 36, said the cafe has built up a loyal following since it opened in June.

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She added: “I came to Oxford about six or seven years ago.

“I always like to go with the flow so when I needed a change from the construction industry I thought about opening a cafe.

“It’s a fabulous location near the river and the locals like it because they come back every week.

“At the moment I would say it’s about 60 per cent local residents and 40 per cent tourists.

“That could change as time goes on and people can travel more because there are fewer coronavirus restrictions.

“I think the local residents like having a cafe in their neighbourhood.

“The building has a fascinating history and is a former tollhouse - I used to make paper boats when I was a child and thought it would be a good name with the cafe so close to the river.”

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Ms Igual said there is a team of about five staff working at the cafe on a full and part-time basis.

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As well as tables inside the entrance there are also tables on a terrace outside and in a basement gallery where local artwork and photos are displayed. At the moment photographer Jacob Chambers is showing some of his pictures.

In total there are about 40 seats.

“It looks small from the outside and customers are surprised how much room there is inside,” Ms Igual added.

Routes coffee comes from an east Oxford roastery.

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Ms Igual said: “I have been trained as a professional barista so we spent a lot of time choosing where to source our coffee and I think we have made a good choice.”

Staff make some of the muffins, brownies and cakes, while some supplies come from the Natural Bread Company.

Not surprisingly some of the dishes are Spanish are Spanish, including Spanish omelette.

There are also baguettes, sandwiches and toasties, with vegetarian and vegan options.

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Ms Igual and her partner refurbished the cafe inside during lockdown.

She added: “I think it had been a little off-licence and grocery store for many years.

“We did all the decorating ourselves because we had the time to do it during lockdown.

“We did all the jobs ourselves including painting the furniture.”