6 days Ago
Lauren Barwick has worked in coffee shops for the past three to four years, but has always wanted to run her own café. After noticing a gap in the market for those with dietary requirements, the 37-year-old jumped at the chance to open The Olive Branch Coffee House in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre. A new coffee shop has opened (Image: Handout) She said: "It has always been my dream to run my own shop.
I'm a really friendly person and I love interacting with people. I'm also a big coffee enthusiast, so running my own café felt like the perfect way of combining two things I love. "I've worked in the industry for a good few years, which has given me the chance to see what's missing and I thought I could do something to cater for those needs.
This includes more savoury gluten-free options and a focus on offering flavour for vegans and those with other dietary requirements. "I want people to be open to trying new things, so if they aren't a vegan, I want the food to be so full of flavour and look so appealing that those customers will still give it a try. We'll also be offering the classics and plenty of carnivore options.
" The shop will offer healthy gut coffee (Image: Handout) The café will offer "healthy gut" coffee, which is sourced from an independent supplier called Exhale Coffee and is free from pesticides. There will also be a loyalty card scheme for customers. Ms Barwick, who has a career background in mental health and helping those with addiction and learning disabilities, added: "I want people to have the confidence to know we have options and all the food is prepared and handled safely especially for those with severe allergies.
Vegan food is also kept completely separate from the carnivorous products. "I'm really excited to open and I've had quite a lot of support from my former customers, which means a lot to me. "I also want to say a massive thank you to Daron Gay for all his hard work and the support he has given to me and the business.
" The shop has opened in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre (Image: Handout) The Olive Branch Coffee House officially opened today (Tuesday, April 15) and is located between McDonald's and Subway. The café is open from 8am until 6pm on Monday to Saturday and 9am until 4pm on Sunday. For more information visit The Olive Branch Coffee House Facebook page.
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