The popular family-run café Swedish Den re-opened on Thursday, June 24, with a new focus on wellbeing.
“Our little family business has had to adapt and close many times during this pandemic, and eventually I found myself totally burned out. When the restrictions started to ease I just didn’t have it in me to do it all again, and wasn’t sure I ever would,” said owner Rebecca McKay.
After taking steps to get some help, Rebecca said she had “learned a lot about self-care and positive thinking. Now I know it will take time to fully build back up both my mental health and our beloved café, and most importantly, it needs to all be centred around wellbeing.”
To allow for that all-important work-life balance, Swedish Den will start small, opening for less days and shorter hours.
“I would also love to find ways for the Swedish Den to be about our customers’ welfare, and how better to start than with the wonderful Swedish tradition of FIKA. Having FIKA is such a great way of keeping stress at bay: take a break, have a chat and relax with some yummy coffee and buns.”
To embrace the FIKA lifestyle, Swedish Den started sharing a “feel-good item of the day” on social media.
“This will be sharing positive stories and messages themed around the Swedish Den and our products, hopefully, customers will join in,” added Rebecca.
New savoury buns will also be on the menu, and the café will be working with other local independent businesses to
display and sell their products.
“We have all come this far and it has definitely been hard, but I believe we can get through this together,” Rebecca enthused.
Swedish Den, 46 Catherine Street, SP1 2DD.
Open Thursday and Friday 10am-12pm and Saturday 10am-2pm.