Paradise found... but running your own cafe isn't all latte and skittles!

OWNER REVEALS HARSH REALITIES OF HOSPITALITY

- By LYNETTE PINCHESS

A FORMER London bus driver who quit his job to run a cafe in Arnold has bared his soul about the harsh realities, admitting it wasn't what he expected.

Sergen Tasar, co-owner of Paradise Cafe, said he thought following his dream would give him control, freedom, creativity and more family time.

In a 10-minute YouTube video, he admitted to working longer than ever and feeling like he was failing at the start. He has since posted an update saying the business has gone from making £2,000 a week to more than £22,000 a month.

As a bus driver Sergen had a fixed income, plus holiday and sick pay. But shifts starting at either 4am or 4pm didn't give him the freedom he desired, night-time customers could be annoying and some days were repetitive. "I felt stuck in that job. It felt like I was just existing," he said.

With a passion for coffee and friends and relatives owning or working in cafes, he left his job in the capital and moved north to follow his dream. He and business partner and childhood friend Ulas Erdogan took over Paradise Cafe, in Front Street, last November after the previous owner retired. Earlier this year the cafe expanded into the empty premises next door.