A popular cafe will be opening a new branch in Leeds next month despite the challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic.
Cafe 164 has announced plans to open a site in Headingley - making it their third branch in the city.
The new 164 Headingley will be the third shop in the family of businesses, as Ellie Andrews’ father opened Bakery 164 opposite the University of Leeds in 1994 and Ellie opened Cafe 164 in Munro House, in 2011.
However, Cafe 164 shop saw trade drop through the lockdown with business closures, and with people being encouraged to work from home, the city centre trade, which they relied, all but dried up. But they found a way to adapt and decided to take the business where 'customers need it most'.
Ellie has stated they are bringing experience from both Bakery 164 and Cafe 164 to the new branch and Headingley’s open kitchen will allow customers to see the bread being made while they are waiting to be served.
They use only five ingredients - flour, extra virgin olive oil, yeast, water, and a pinch of salt.
Ellie said: “We are so excited about opening in Headingley and joining the local community of businesses in the area.
“We want to be at the heart of the community, offering great value, a place where you can go every day for your lunch or coffee, or to treat yourself to one of our cakes - even to grab some bread to make your own sandwiches.
“This is our way of navigating the business through the aftermath of COVID, so it can survive. By opening a shop in Headingley, we are able to open up our customer base whilst also servicing our existing customers working from home.
“We are in serious survival mode, but we are doing it with smiles on our faces, positivity, and hope for the future.”
