Cafe Moyo, a new coffee shop located on Thistle Street in Aberdeen’s west end, has officially opened its doors following a soft launch on Monday, 10 February. The establishment is the realisation of owner Nadia Clarke’s 23-year-long dream to create a cosy and welcoming space that reflects her passion for food, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.
Nadia’s diverse career path includes experiences in science, therapy, retail management, and working in an engineering firm. A redundancy in her previous role served as the catalyst for this venture. Her travels to Hong Kong and appreciation for Scandinavian and Japanese design have influenced Cafe Moyo’s “Japandi” interior—a harmonious blend of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics.
Speaking to Aberdeen Business News, Nadia commented on the theme “It’s from my travels and love for neutral shades and relaxing calming colours…. I have a love for Scandinavian design and Japanese as well. It’s so earthy and I love it”
The menu draws inspiration from Belgian cuisine, featuring a variety of artisan open-toasts that cater to vegetarian, vegan, fish and meat-eating preferences. Nadia emphasises providing high-quality meals at affordable prices, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
“I’m going to cater to people that love good food, that want a quality meal but at a good price” Nadia commented to Aberdeen Business News on the upcoming menu options.
Situated among a vibrant community of independent businesses on Thistle Street, Nadia told ABN that Cafe Moyo aims to contribute to the area’s appeal by offering a relaxed atmosphere where patrons can unwind. Nadia believes that the diverse offerings of neighbouring establishments complement each other, creating a destination that attracts a wide range of visitors.
Reflecting on her journey into the cafe industry, Nadia acknowledges the steep learning curve she faced, particularly in understanding building control regulations and planning permissions. She also discovered a newfound appreciation for the intricacies of coffee preparation, likening it to the complexity of wine.
Nadia’s dedication to creating a space that embodies her heart and soul is evident in every detail of Cafe Moyo. As she puts it in a comment to Press & Journal “This cafe is my heart, my soul, everything that I am on a plate.”
With its unique ambience and thoughtfully curated menu, Cafe Moyo is poised to become a cherished spot for Aberdeen residents and visitors alike.
