Katy Meets...Abda (part one)

By Katy O'Regan

If there’s one thing you do this month, make it a visit to Celeste. Honestly, it’s a must; once you’ve been, you’ll surely be drawn back. I only wish I’d discovered it sooner! My recent birthday celebration led me to its welcoming doors, and before I left, I had already arranged a return trip to delve deeper into the story of Abda, the remarkable owner.

Abda’s story is a tapestry woven with vibrant threads of culture, family, and entrepreneurial spirit. With three thriving businesses under her belt, a single article couldn’t possibly do justice to her journey. This edition will explore her fascinating background, while the upcoming August edition of Villages Mag will focus on her latest venture, the Holmes Chapel Coffee, Cocktail and Wine bar.

Living in Sandbach with her husband and two young children, Abda moved from the urban hustle of Manchester to the serene Cheshire countryside, seeking a better quality of life for her family. Born to Sudanese parents who migrated to Manchester in the 1980s, Abda is steeped in her Sudanese heritage. This rich cultural legacy, preserved through the Arabic spoken at home, allowed her to grow up with an appreciation for languages, an invaluable asset that has shaped her worldview.

The centrality of food in Sudanese culture ignited Abda’s passion for culinary arts. A typical Sudanese kitchen, a whirlwind of activity much like the busiest of restaurant kitchens, inspired her from a young age. Here, stews simmer, meats and vegetables are prepared in vast quantities, and the air is alive with the hiss of pressure cookers, a lively symphony that sustains the community.

Sudanese cuisine, a feast for the senses, includes a generous array of stews and gravies, often enjoyed by hand, accompanied by fresh and cooked salads, various dips, and flavoursome rice dishes. Sweet and savoury pastries, unique breads, and decadent desserts complete the spread, reflecting a tradition where food is both sustenance and celebration.

This heritage led Abda to study Spanish and Italian at university, opportunities that took her to Pisa, Italy, and later to Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was in Buenos Aires where she formed a profound connection with a local family, particularly the daughters, whom she affectionately calls her ‘Argentinian sisters’ — Celeste and Sol. Sadly, Sol suddenly passed away a few years after she left Argentina, a vibrant, young and talented dancer, her loss deeply affected Abda. To honour her memory, Abda has decorated the walls of Celeste with photos that celebrate their shared moments. She also named Celeste after her ‘Argentinian sisters’.

Post-university, while Abda held a ‘normal’ job, her true passion always lay in food. In her kitchen, she launched a Fusion Bakery, blending Afro-Arab and British culinary traditions. Innovating traditional treats like baklava with Western flavours such as lemon cheesecake and chocolate cheesecake, she sold her creations at artisan markets across Manchester. Her grandmother’s culinary prowess greatly influenced her, providing recipes and techniques that Abda now integrates into all her ventures.

Eager to dedicate herself fully to her passion, Abda recognised the universal appeal of coffee. Embracing this, she pursued extensive training to become a coffee consultant and developed her own coffee blends. With these skills, she opened Abda’s in Northwich, a coffee shop that quickly morphed into a community hub, transforming customers into friends and creating a safe, inclusive space for all.

As we wrap up part one of our exploration into Abda’s life and work, we invite you to stay tuned for the August edition of Villages Mag, where we will uncover the layers of her newest establishment in Holmes Chapel. In the meantime, I recommend you pop into Celeste yourself to experience what they have to offer. I’m sure you’ll see me there, penning my next part of Abda’s story.

All information correct as of July 2024.