A new coffee shop has opened in Belthorn and it has been receiving rave reviews from customers - and even a local TikTok star.
MAQHA opened on Elton Road in January, in a building that was once home to a series of restaurants.
Manager Hannah Simpson, 29, from Oswaldtwistle, said the team wanted to create something lasting and community-focused.
Hannah said: "We bought the building a couple of years ago.
"The [building] is huge and historically very important to the area.
"It’s a lovely cottage-style site that has been used as an Italian restaurant in the past.
"We wanted it to keep serving the community - we are all about supporting small businesses in the community."
Hannah said the team wants MAQHA to be a site where customers can enjoy quality food and also socialise.
She said: "We wanted something where the locals and passing traffic can get a coffee and have some food – and also enjoy a social space that isn’t too commercialised."
The café held its soft launch on January 6 and officially opened on February 1.
It serves a coffee and brunch menu until 6pm, followed by an evening menu, with curries, burgers, chicken wings and beyond on the menu.
For brunch and breakfast, pancakes, desi omelette, full English and toasties are some of the options available.
Hannah said feedback about the site has been overwhelmingly positive. so far.
She said: "Customers have loved the coffee shop so far. People have been really positive.
"The locals just appreciate that it is back up and running.
"Eventually, we will offer a take out service and ‘drive-in’ system where people can come to the car park and we will bring their food and drink out to them.
"We used to go to high street coffee shops and just feel there was too much hustle and bustle going on – people want to go out and enjoy a social space without that."
Before its transformation into a café, the site was home to Solea Restaurant and Wine Bar, Marco Polo Pizzeria and Restaurant, and The Pack Restaurant and Bar.
The café has already attracted attention from customers and social media personalities alike, including TikTok star Alistair Almond, who has more than 578,000 followers. He ordered a smoothie, a flat white and a desi omelette.
He said: "Why does that taste so good? It’s so fluffy and the bread is buttered. Staff are absolutely lovely."
Customer reviews have praised the atmosphere, service, and menu.
One visitor said: "Really lovely place with an excellent aesthetic and exceptional staff.
"Great drinks, food and cakes served with a smile.
"The place feels comfortable and vibrant."
Another said: "Wonderful food and drinks. Warm welcome and speedy service."
Another said it was "reasonably priced" adding that they will "definitely be back".
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