A new café on Great Western Road is offering a unique twist on the traditional Gothic coffeehouse, reminiscent of the Victorian era.
Memento Mori Coffee, named after the Latin phrase meaning “remember you will die,” has opened its doors at 111 Great Western Road, close to St George’s Cross subway station.
The phrase, dating back to the second century, has historically inspired various forms of art and architecture, encouraging people to live in the moment.Gary Kane, the café’s owner, believes life is too short for subpar coffee.
The establishment, still in the process of being decorated, plans to feature Gothic artwork and 19th-century furnishings, with seating for up to 40 patrons.
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The café’s coffee is sourced from Thomson’s Coffee Roasters, Glasgow’s oldest coffee producer, founded in 1841.After over a decade working in Glasgow city centre bars, 36-year-old Kane decided to swap unsociable hours for entrepreneurship.
With a £17,000 loan from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme and DSL Business Finance, he transformed a former haberdashery into a fully equipped café.Memento Mori Coffee serves a variety of savoury and sweet treats and is open seven days a week: 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm on Saturday, and 10.30am to 5.30pm on Sunday.
Gary Kane said: “People in Glasgow are known for their wit and dark sense of humour, so I hope they will realise that the theme of the café isn’t really about death, but about living life to the full – while enjoying great coffee.
“Looking ahead, it would be amazing to be able to expand our concept to another location in the city – but I’m taking one step at a time.
“I’m also eager to explore the idea of buying a mobile cart and taking Memento Mori Coffee on the road for even more customers to enjoy.”
The British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme has supported over 1,000 entrepreneurs and provided more than £9 million in loans to new business owners in Glasgow since its inception in 2012.
Barry McCulloch, senior manager, UK Network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: “We’re pleased to support an independent coffee shop bringing something new to Glasgow’s west end and has the ambition to compete with the big chains.
“New businesses bring a lot of value to local communities, and Memento Mori Coffee is a great example of how an entrepreneur’s idea can become a reality with the right support.
“I’m looking forward to seeing where it will take Gary in the future.”
Iain Burnside, Chief Operating Officer, DSL Business Finance Ltd said: “I am delighted to see Gary Kane’s vision come to life with Memento Mori Coffee.
“Gary’s meticulous business plan and projections truly stood out and were instrumental in securing the necessary funding.
“His early engagement with us even before submitting his application significantly expedited the process.
“At DSL Business Finance, we are always keen to support entrepreneurs who demonstrate such foresight and dedication.
“Memento Mori Coffee promises to be a remarkable addition to Glasgow’s west end, and we look forward to its success and future growth.”
