A café with a difference has opened in Shirley.
Lucky for some, Cozy Seven appeals to a broad audience – specialising in coffee, cake, and wine.
But the café does not only serve up drinks, but positivity too.
Emblazoned on the wall of the building is ‘The Beautiful Mile’, taking the frequently used derogatory term ‘Mutant Mile’ to describe Shirley and turning it on its head.
(Image: Newsquest)
Manager of the café at 407 Shirley Road, Lisa Aldridge, is excited to get stuck into the new venture.
“I was at a pharmacy before this, but I previously worked at my parents’ restaurant in Greece for four years.
“My partner Mark Dunham is business partners with Simon Shobande, known as Shane, and we knew Shane wanted to do something like this for four years.”
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The café was previously home to much-loved furniture shop Warne's, run by Nick and Ann Warne for nearly 25 years.
The pair retired and handed over the keys to Shane and Mark, with Shane describing the property as “the one he really wants”.
Nick said: “We wish them all the best, they are nice people.
“We already had a look around the place before it opened.”
Lisa with Nick and Anne Warne (Image: Newsquest)
Anne added: “We didn’t expect the shop to become anything like this, but we never had any idea what it could be.
“We took on the property when the old owners retired, now we have retired and Mark and Shane have taken it on.
“We live in Shirley still, so will come and visit.”
With no bedroom furniture in sight, the shop has been transformed into a modern and, as expected, cosy space with outdoor seating.
Lisa said: “The reaction so far has been really good and everyone is excited about us being here.
“I am most looking forward to meeting new people, having a nice atmosphere, and getting people together.”
(Image: Newsquest)
Shane previously told the Echo: “It's a real hybrid and we hope it will be one of the places which makes Shirley beautiful.
"The buzz from locals has been amazing, it's something a bit different coming to hit Shirley High Street."
A locally-sourced, constantly-changing menu will feature seven items of simple hot food including jacket potatoes, bacon sandwiches and sourdough from early until mid afternoon.
Sweet treats – including locally baked cakes and vegan cakes – are also available.
The hybrid venue will evolve into a bar as the day goes on with an extensive wine list, bottled beer, cocktails and charcuterie and cheese boards.
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