Harrogate's 'friendliest coffee house' looks back on four years of welcoming customers
The owner of a popular Harrogate independent coffee house has talked about how proud she is to have created a “cafe of the community” as she looks forward to celebrating the independent business’s fourth anniversary.
Since owner Leda took over Westmoreland Coffee House, this fantastic indie has become well known in the area round Westmoreland Street, Regent Parade and Mowbray Square.
And it's not just for the excellent coffee and cake but its owner’s bright smile and welcoming attitude.
Rated as one of Harrogate’s 'friendliest coffee houses' the cafe already had great character in terms of the layout with its attractive, curtained booths next to the glass frontage adding a hint of continental atmosphere and flair.
But having such a friendly character in charge of Westmoreland Coffee House has made all the difference as the owner’s efficiency and warm charm has built up a loyal customer base a bit at a time in a natural fashion.
It’s no surprise when she tells the Harrogate Advertiser that running a cafe was a long term ambition.
"It’s always been a dream of mine to own a coffee shop,” said Leda, who built a life from scratch for herself and family when she first moved to Britain back in 2007.
"When I lived in Italy I worked in a coffee shop and loved every day of it.
"I had top work hard and save hard to become the owner of Westmoreland Coffee House.
Popular for its free Wi-Fi and being dog-friendly, Leda has worked hard to create a hospitable environment for the locals of Harrogate to come and enjoy artisan coffees, and fresh-made sandwiches served warm with salad and homemade cakes.
The result for Westmoreland Coffee House has been to evolve into a cordial hub of local life.
"My customers are like family to me,” said Leda.
"Everyone round here comes in to chat and say hello – and get a coffee.
"It’s a real community, which means the world to me.”
Like almost all small independent businesses not only in Harrogate but across Britain, Westmoreland Coffee House is feeling the pinch from rising costs and changing customer habits.
“People love my cafe but it has become a struggle,” said Leda.
"Everything is going up, it’s hard.
"Like every business these days there’s the rates, VAT, the bills keep rising.
"The problem is you can’t keep putting up your prices if you are a cafe.
"People won’t come if you do that.”
After four brilliant years at the helm at Westmoreland Coffee House, the cafe remains a labour of love for the resolutely optimistic Leda.
Even Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is a fan, popping in for a coffee and a chat if, and when, he gets the chance.
And that says a lot about the nature of this independent business and about its hugely positive owner, too.
More information: https://www.westmorelandcoffee.com/