A town centre café has taken inspiration from Blackburn’s textile history when choosing a new name.
The Café With No Name – formerly Café Northcote in Cathedral Quarter – has now reopened its doors as Checks & Greys.
Run by husband and wife team Matt and Jo Hunter, the café – which is a member of Blackburn BID – has been given a refresh with new décor, upholstery and lighting.
Jo, Commercial Manager for the café, said: “We had a list of 40 or so names but nothing quite grabbed us. I was looking at articles on Blackburn’s history for inspiration and saw reference to ‘checks and greys’, a couple of weaving patterns that Blackburn was famous for in the 17th century.
“The fabric was produced in Blackburn and sold on a global scale. It ties the café back to Blackburn – both the history of the town and the community.
“We hope people will wonder what the name means, and it will give us the opportunity to tell them a bit about the history of the town.”
The café’s menu has also had a makeover. It features fresh produce, vegan, veggie and gluten free options, a focus on Blackburn’s craft gin, Cathedra gin, and the new ‘Dean’s Beans’ coffee blend created by Exchange Coffee. They have also introduced a lighter bites menu and lunch menu.
Tomorrow (Tuesday) also marks the launch of their ‘click and collect’ service for sandwich platters, and their outside catering offers buffet options to formal dinners.
Catering and events manager Matt, originally from Padiham, has previously worked for Northcote. He and Jo went on to manage the Starr Inn in the City in York for 5 years – where Jo is from. They now have around 15 staff – many of worked at the café when it was Café Northcote.
Jo added: “Our first full day of trading was a real success. We have had some lovely feedback from customers on the new décor and new menu.”
