Meet the new owners of Macclesfield café The Monocle
A pair of friends have achieved their dream of running their own café.
Jim Kite and Ash Blades are the new owners of Macclesfield's Monocle Deli, which they have renamed The Monocle.
The Chestergate café will stick to their vegan and vegetarian roots, as well as supporting local creatives.
And The Monocle's support of Macclesfield artists is in good hands, as both Jim and Ash are artists.
"Me and Ash worked at a coffee shop in Manchester", said Jim.
"We both wanted to have our own café one day, and we both independently knew Mel who used to own here. So when she wanted to sell it, we knew we had to do it."
"We've known each other for about four years", said Ash.
"I've also worked in hospitality for ages, but I've worked as an art freelancer as well for a while which translates with all the art stuff Monocle is known for as well.
"We don't want it to just be a café, we want to sell prints and be a creative space with workshops eventually.
"It is a nice place to come get food, read a book and draw a sketch.
"We'd like to have a whole shop section where people can show off and sell the things they've made.
"As artists ourselves, we know how difficult it is to get your work everywhere, so we'd love to do some exhibitions as well."
Ex-Fallibroome Academy pupil Jim was raised in Macclesfield, used to work at Monocle Deli when he was 16, and now he co-owns it.
A new menu full of hearty brunch and breakfast items comes with the rebrand.
The best seller is a pizza toast, which - like all their food - can be had as a vegetarian or vegan option.
Other menu items include Avocado Toast, BLT Sandwich and a small selection of salads. Gluten free options available.
Jim is also baking vegan-friendly sweet treats such as Oreo Cookies, Guinness Cake and a Carrot Loaf. Ash will cook the food.
Local produce used by The Monocle includes The Little Coffee Roastery (of Little Street) and Don Millers bakery. They're also using a Macclesfield-based dairy, but have plant-based milks for hot drinks as well.
"We are loving being a business in Macclesfield", added Jim.
"We've had a warm welcome from everybody, especially on Chestergate with all the business-owners coming in."
"Compared to Manchester [where Ash is from] and you don't know anyone, it is nice to have that little bit of community here," Ash added.
"Everyone who comes here turns into friends. It is so lovely."
They are seeking a part-time hire in the near future. Please message them on Instagram for further details.
You can also support their artwork by following their individual pages on Instagram here and here.
They're open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8am to 5pm.
Click here to follow the Macclesfield business on Instagram.
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