New coffee shop opening marks transformation of once "derelict" land in Burngreave
“This is going to open the eyes of the community”
A new coffee shop has opened, transforming what locals say used to be “derelict” land.
The family run shop is called Coffee and Juices, and is located on the corner of Ellesmere Road in Burngreave.
After opening its doors on Tuesday, October 6, the owner shared what the shop means to him.
Gamal Abdulla, 48, said: “It shows other communities what we can do, and it is welcome for everybody. It used to be just some land, but we have changed it for a place for everyone to join, as a hub for all.”
The coffee shop is described as a “traditional” place serving an array of sandwiches, cakes, coffees, fruits and all sorts of sweet treats. It’s aim is to transform that area of land, in the hope that more people will see the shop and want to visit.
After having a soft opening for members of the community, Mr Abdulla said: “A lot of people are pleased, and are really impressed with it.
“It’s a traditional café and people are impressed. This is what we need - the message is that Burngreave has changed.”
Burngreave has recently been subject to community clean-ups in an attempt to tackle rubbish and fly-tipping happening in the area.
Over the summer, dozens of people from the community came together and took part in picking litter and street sweeping.
The owner of ‘Coffee and Juices’ hopes that the new café will make a difference to Burngreave, and change opinions on the area.
Ellisa Clarke, 72, a friend of the family who runs the shop, said: “The area was literally derelict, it was a bad eye sore but the family are now able to sort it out. It makes such a difference. This is top notch, people will look at it and see they are trying.”
She believes the opening marks “the betterment of the community” and emphasises it is a place welcome to everyone.
She added: “It’s going to be rammed, I am very proud of them. This is going to open the eyes of the community, it really is lovely and I want people to see it.”
The opening saw lots of people who came to support, and is now open seven days a week.