Has the cost of living crisis impacted new cafes?

By Najma Sultan

Local cafes along Holloway Road are struggling to maintain their customers and keep their prices constant. New local cafes in particular are struggling more than those which have established a name for themselves.

The cost of living crisis, which has resulted in inflation of over 11 percent and sudden price rises, has prevented new cafes from growing and creating a local reputation.

Café De Lotus, which opened up on Holloway road back in July, has had a hard time attracting customers, despite keeping prices relatively low. Owner Medemir Oglu said: “Sales have been slow. As a new café it has been difficult. No customers come in.”

The cost of living crisis has caused prices to rise rapidly. Cups of coffee cost a lot more now, which has caused people to avoid going into cafes and spending money. Oglu is having difficulty creating a reputation for Cafe De Lotus despite keeping prices low and affordable.

“We haven’t changed our prices yet, we are keeping them the same for now,” said Oglu, who is from Edmonton, north London.

Budget-friendly prices

Café De Lotus has kept their prices as budget friendly as possible, most of the menu items being under £10, he added.

“Importing products has become more expensive but it changes all the time. Sometimes it is more expensive, sometimes it is average and sometimes it stays the same.”

Despite all the changes in import prices Café De Lotus has chosen to keep their prices the same. The café as expected is struggling to build a reputation with the area. As Oglu said: “It is empty most of the time with no customers. It’s almost always quiet.”