A COFFEE house has reopened under new ownership with a Nigerian twist following a two-week renovation.

Bukola George, originally from Nigeria, reopened 329 Coffee & Lounge with a colourful new interior and a few signature dishes from her homeland, all adding some extra variety and spice to the menu on Shirley Road.

Bukola told the Echo: “It was a really quick turnaround, the coffee house closed on November 19, I received the keys on November 22, and we opened on December 1, so we had a lot to do in two weeks!

“We had some local workmen making some changes to the interior – we have a green and gold colour scheme – keeping it simple but also making it fresh when you walk in.

“The workmen weren’t sure that they were going to finish on time, but it was a real community effort and it’s nice to see it all come together.”

The establishment has all the usual features of a café, with indoor and outdoor seating areas, with customers able to purchase a warm coffee and a full English breakfast.

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However, a few Nigerian-themed additions have seen the likes of tozo beef suya, suya chicken toasties, and a selection of Nigerian soups incorporated into the menu.

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Bukola said: “We’ve had some really good feedback.

“I’d like to think there’s something for everyone and we can cater for a variety of people.

“It’s still early days – so the menu might be added to over time but let’s see what happens.”

329 Coffee & Lounge is Bukola’s third business on Shirley Road – coming after Eddoes Direct and Harmony Hair, with the latest addition to her sizeable portfolio employing six members of staff.

Daily Echo: ‘A community effort’: 329 Coffee & Lounge reopens under new ownership

It comes at a time when major high street retailer – New Look – closed its doors for the final time on Shirley Road on Sunday, December 3.

Bukola added: “It’s gutting to see a major chain like New Look leave the high street, especially before Christmas, my heart goes out to all the staff.

“We need to keep both the community and high street alive, there’s nothing more heartbreaking for the local community when shops disappear.”