Two cultures brought together at cosy new cafe Inbetween

CUSTOMERS at Sherwood’s newest cafe Inbetween will find red velvet, chocolate cake and vanilla sponge along with coffees and Yorkshire Tea. But the more adventurous might be tempted by less familiar items originating in Syria, such as zhourat, halawet el-jeben and maarouk.

- 

The two cultures are brought together in harmony at the cosy 12-seater cafe, in Mansfield Road, between The Crafty Teller and the Robin Hood pub.

Co-owner and manager Haya Fakoush said: "We've had a heartwarming welcome from the people of Sherwood. They're enjoying the coffee shop, every time they come in they feel at peace. We wanted to create somewhere where everyone feels at home and everyone feels welcome. I run the Arabic club in the community centre here and I felt Sherwood high street was the right place for us.

"There are really interesting businesses on the road. I have been to many of the restaurants here. We are trying to offer the community something different."

Syrian-born Haya moved to the city 14 years ago to study a PhD in education at the University of Nottingham and was researching education for refugees. But it had always been a dream to open a coffee shop. Her former neighbour and best friend Zeina Haoula has come on board as co-owner.