Mama Flo's curry goat has people queuing down the street in Stockport - now I know why

“Is it your first time, dear?” is the question that most get as they approach the counter at Mama Flo’s.

Florence Coke, the diminutive cook at this gem on the A6 (let’s face facts, it doesn’t have too many), is clearly keen to keep tabs on how business is going at all times.

Now 67, she quit working at the fragrance counters at Selfridge's to cook, first at a shop in Gorton and now at 314 Buxton Road, where the smell of barbecue chicken hits you long before you arrive at the door, which is adorned with a giant red bow like a birthday present.

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With endorsements from famous footballers like City’s Kyle Walker and United’s Harry Maguire recently, footfall has been going through the roof.

On a grey Wednesday lunchtime, Mama Flo is flying solo. She’s cooking, she’s serving, she’s prepping takeaways for delivery riders.

But still, the banter flows like the pineapple soda, and laughter rings out. Everyone, first timer or regular, is treated like family.

On a shelf, there are the dozens of the accolades she’s received, all proudly mounted in frames.

The special recognition award she got from the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester for the ‘outstanding activity and contribution to the community’.

There’s a thank you letter from the NHS. She gave out free meals to hospital staff and ambulance drivers during the pandemic.

There’s also a warning sign that someone is handing out snide fivers.

On the day I ate, I arrived at 12.30pm (having turned up at 7.30pm the previous night, only to find that the closing time listed on Google - 9pm - is wrong, so be warned, it closes at 7pm, prompt).

“Your first time, dear?” Flo asks.

It is, I tell her, and ask what’s