A popular coffee bar in Royton which once feared closure has not only weathered the storm but received a top accolade on its fifth birthday in business.
Bru'd Awakenin's in The Old Mill on Shepherd Street is a coffee shop and bar that says it is "anything but beige", with stylish interior, an artisan menu filled with locally sourced produce and warm and welcoming staff to boot.
Shelby Bunn, who worked in cabin crew before pursuing her dream of owning a cafe, opened the doors to Bru'd in 2018 and despite successive Covid lockdowns, a shortage in building supplies and the cost-of-living crisis, Ms Bunn saw the coffee house go from strength to strength.
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In summer 2020, it completed a swanky refurbishment and prompted the cafe to open up in the evenings with a new bar and cocktail menu in 2021.
There are also yet more major changes coming to the premises this year as Ms Bunn revealed the cafe will expand into the unit next door.
The team had been raising the funds needed to move into "Bru'd 2.0" which they hope will double their capacity.
While the renovation is already underway, the cafe celebrated its fifth birthday on Friday (January 26).
"Baby Bru'd" first opened its doors to customers in January 2019 and the team said "the OGs" will remember its doodle wall, pineapples and "Shelby and Mia quietly arguing behind the country and the comfy sofa".
Staff member, Katie, added: "It has definitely been a labour of love with plenty of sweat and tears thrown in the mix, but what an adventure it has been.
"Five years in business is such a huge achievement, especially in today's economic climate.
"Not only are we still here, we have grown.
"We have a wonderful team of staff who all live and breathe Bru’d as Shelby has made it such a happy place to work.
"She had a vision and put her whole life into our favourite coffee bar- we just want her to know how truly amazing she is."
The barista then said Ms Bunn is "boss goals" and said it was incredible how the owner survived lockdown, the cost-of-living crisis and "so much more behind the scenes to make Bru'd what it is today".
To coincide with the celebration, staff then revealed the coffeehouse received a Restaurant Guru 2024 award.
The accolade crowns Bru'd Awakenin's a "top 10 best coffeehouse restaurant in Oldham" and is based on the cafe's Google and social media reviews.
Reacting to the award, the team said: "What an amazing birthday present.
"We're proud to say we have been recognised by Restaurant Guru as one of Oldham's top 10 coffee spots.
"We are also one of the newest compared to the other listings, so we are super proud of this.
"It just goes to show how each bit of feedback we receive helps us grow, so thank you to everyone who has left a review of their experience."
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