Katy Meets...Abda (part two)

By Katy O'Regan.

In our last edition, we explored Abda’s journey up to the opening of her Northwich coffee shop. During this period, she met the owner of Charlies. A pivotal conversation revealed that the premises were available, and everything aligned perfectly for Abda to expand her business. Thus, Celeste was born!

Celeste is a harmonious blend of several key elements, starting with the coffee. Abda, a seasoned coffee expert and consultant, not only trains others but specifically sought out a roaster with a high quality bean and similar ethos, called Abda’s House Blend. This two bean specialty Arabica blend features beans from Guatemala, grown in the volcanic soils of tropical valleys, and from Cerrado Minas Gerais in Brazil. It creates a medium-bodied espresso with soft acidity, a maple syrup sweetness, and hints of pecan. As a milk-based coffee, her House Blend presents milk chocolate and toffee flavours, ensuring a deliciously smooth coffee. These beans are sold in bags, served by the cup at Celeste, and supplied to other coffee shops.

Additionally, there’s a Coffee Club where members can indulge in the finest coffee beans delivered right to their doorstep. Experience the richness and aroma of freshly roasted, specialty coffee beans in the comfort of their own home. By joining the Coffee Club, members receive two bags of coffee delivered in the first week of every month, along with exclusive discounts, offers, and events.

Wine is also an important element at Celeste. The wine list is meticulously curated to represent the world and introduce new flavour profiles. Abda loves wine, and this is another area where she has expanded her skills. When choosing a wine for her shelves, the culture behind it is important to her. The menu features a range of wines from around the world, available by the glass or by the bottle, for in-house enjoyment or to take home.

The next highlight of the business is the cocktails. Whether you’re after the classics or something a little different, Celeste offers a selection of drinks inspired by loved ones, family recipes, and flavours close to their hearts. The menu features six core cocktails that form the basis for many others, ‘Solci Cocktails’ inspired by and created in honour of loved ones, and ‘Twisted Classics’ showcasing popular and classic cocktails with a unique Celeste flair.

The cocktails are crafted with fresh ingredients, high quality spirits, and a whole lot of love and passion. They strive to make everything from scratch, and all drinks can be served gluten free or vegan. Abda opened Celeste in dedication, memory, and celebration of loved ones, and she values community input. There is an opportunity to dedicate a cocktail to someone special. A simple form on her website allows you to describe the individual, suggest drinks or flavours that represent them, and even propose a name for the cocktail. The Celeste team will then use their skills to design the cocktail, which could make it onto a future menu.

The final part of Celeste is the food. While they are a cocktail and wine bar, and not a restaurant, they offer a small selection of ‘mezza’ (Afro-Arab tapas) which are perfect to accompany your drinks, and also a collection of light brunch dishes throughout the daytime. The food menu is a fusion of coffee shop favourites, Afro-Arab cuisine, and tapas, inspired by Abda’s Sudanese and Egyptian culture, her travels, and family and friends located across the world. They serve both a brunch and tapas menu and are passionate about catering safely for allergies and special dietary requirements.

While coffee, wine, cocktails, and food are the main parts of Celeste, there is one thing that connects them all and threads through the entire business: culture. From the interior decor of the shop to the way the team works closely together and the values they hold, her team and her family culture are at the heart. Abda’s life experience and knowledge of the world are remarkable, and it is an honour that she has chosen to share this with the Holmes Chapel community. No town or village wants empty shops and premises; we also want a diverse mix of interesting businesses. Celeste has opened in our village at the perfect time, with businesses like Holmes Sweet Home expanding, our annual events becoming a firm fixture, and our village welcoming more residents. Exploring culture through coffee and food can help us open our minds to the world and experience so many wonderful things. You don’t need to travel far anymore, as Celeste is right on your doorstep.

All information correct as of August 2024.