Joel and Alina who run Cafe Oscar’s, Plenty and Wilson’s on Ladywell high street, have a signed a five year agreement to operate the Ladywell Fields cafe.
The cafe, housed in a Victorian lodge in the north field, was operated by the Jimmy Mizen Trust as the Good Hope cafe, part of a project to create safe, peaceful spaces in memory of Jimmy Mizen, a 16-year-old killed in 2008.
Joel and Alina plan to reopen the park cafe, which shut temporarily in 2018-19 after break ins and then permanently in 2025, on june 1 after some renovation work. It is understood they are looking at creating a covered seating area to the side of the building.
The Oscar’s duo say they plan ” to create something that works properly for the park and the local community.
“Day to day, that means the basics done well… good coffee, cakes, ice creams and simple food that suits being in the park.”
They are also planning weekend weekend pop-ups and collaboraons with local food traders to add a bit more energy during the busier months.
The cafe is popular among park users – including parents with children, walkers, and cyclists.
In 2013, the cafe was embroiled in controversy when hundreds of people opposed plans to revamp thre cafe and replace the then independent trader with a new operator.
Joel and Alina say they want to make sure the cafe feels like a space for everyone. “Somewhere welcoming, accessible and useful… whether that’s a quick coffee after a run, somewhere to meet friends, or a stop-off with the kids.”.
To help get the café open and finished to the right standard, they’ll be launching a crowdfunding campaign in the next couple of weeks. More details will be announced soon.