Lees entrepreneur Lauren Harrison, owner of Revive, provides service with a smile at her unique and eco-friendly coffee shop and Deli Bar.
It’s not all been plain sailing for positive thinking Lauren, 29, from Clarksfield, as she opened the doors to her Deli Bar at St Thomas Parade at the height of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Despite the odds being against her, Lauren jumped at the opportunity of securing premises in her home town, and launched Revive on 17th June 2020.
Producing delicious deli style breakfast and lunches, speciality coffee, teas, smoothies and moon milks, offering an alternative to traditional café foods. With vegan and gluten free options available and a delightful menu of vibrant and delectable foods at an affordable price.
With extensive knowledge and experience from working in restaurants since leaving school, Lauren is skilled and passionate when it comes to food.
“I have lived and worked in pubs and restaurants all of my life, working mainly in the Saddleworth area, at The White Hart, The Old Bill, The Farrah’s, The Grotton, and was part of the set-up team for Jamaica Blue in Uppermill.”
At 19, Lauren had already decided that she wanted to own her own coffee shop. After having two wonderful children, now at school age, she’s now found the time to realise her dream.
“I enrolled with The Oldham Enterprise Trust whist on maternity leave with my youngest child and completed a number of business courses. In this time, I also intensively researched deli foods, recipes and drinks that would not only enhance fitness but also promote positive mental health.”
With an eco-friendly ethos, Lauren has upcycled everything in her deli, from cushion coffee sacks stuffed with old materials found in her own home, to seats and tables made from recycled pallets and wiring coils. This has created an authentic welcoming and relaxing feel to the deli.
Operating a strict no one-use plastic policy, Revive Deli also supports rainforest alliance and uses only Fairtrade coffees and fruits.
Lauren has an excellent reputation and great relationships with local residents and suppliers of her produce and wishes to work alongside more business in Oldham.
“My aim was to deliver great tasty food that would not only be produced in a sustainable way, but also use the very best local produce.”
“Local residents bring me fruit and vegetables from their allotments which I make speciality drinks and soups with. I just love that they support my dream.”
With a local supply list including Windsor’s Meats, Buckley’s Bakery, Worldwide Foods, and Oh My Goodness bakery for her special gluten free and vegan bakes, Lauren wants to have everything in her deli supplied by Oldham Businesses.
Not only is Lauren using local best quality produce, she is also a great place to sell crafts and product for others.
“We have some lovely Valentines succulents created by the Greenfield Growers for sale in the deli and welcome any business who would like to sell their unique crafts and goods.”
“I love the platform we have created and hope to work alongside more local businesses as I truly believe local is the very best way to support each other.”
Lauren admits it’s not all been straightforward. She’s had to amend her opening hours to match a change in her customers’ behaviour during lockdown. Due to the high volume of people choosing walking as their main form of exercise, Revive has taken advantage of local residents and visitors popping in for a warm drink or snack whilst walking.
“We have an influx of customers mainly later in the day who may be coming back from Dovestone Country Park looking to warm up. Having longer opening hours, has really helped.”
So, what is next for Revive Deli and Lauren?
“Over the last 6 months I have had fantastic feedback on the food and drink at the deli and hope this continues. I will study to become a fully qualified nutritionist in the near future and feel that I am learning every day.”
Revive Deli Bar is open Monday – Saturday 9am – 4pm, at 6 St Thomas Parade, St Thomas street, Lees, OL4 5BT.
For full list of food and drink visit Revive Delis Facebook Page @ReviveCoffeeHealthDel or Instagram Revive_delibar