Fresh location for independent cafe and arts space

Cafe and arts/events space Cafe 164 has announced plans for a branch in Headingley, Leeds, due to open in October.

164 Headingley will technically be the third shop in the family of businesses, as Cafe 164’s founder and owner Ellie Andrews’ father opened popular student haunt Bakery 164 opposite Leeds University back in 1994.

Ellie Andrews opened Cafe 164 in 2011 – a different offering, but united by the guiding principle of baking fresh bread every day for its sandwiches.

The original Cafe 164 shop in Munro House saw plummeting trade during the COVID-19 outbreak.

With business closure, followed by the encouragement to work from home, the city centre worker trade upon which Cafe 164 relied all but dried up.

Andrews’ plan to weather these uncertain times involves taking her business to where customers need it most.

The third site in Headingley brings experience from both Bakery 164 and Cafe 164. Its open kitchen will allow customers to see the bread being made, whilst waiting to be served.

Andrews said: “We are so excited about opening in Headingley, and joining the local community of businesses in the area.

“We want to be at the heart of the community, offering great value, a place where you can go every day for your lunch or coffee, or to treat yourself to one of our cakes – even to grab some bread to make your own sandwiches.

“This is our way of navigating the business through the aftermath of COVID, so it can survive.

“By opening a shop in Headingley, we are able to open up our customer base whilst also servicing our existing customers working from home.

“We are in serious survival mode, but we are doing it with smiles on our faces, positivity, and hope for the future.”