Bricklebank's Leeds: Young entrepreneur on a 'crazy' six months as Chapel Allerton cafe up for five awards
It’s been just over six months since Bricklebank’s Cafe and Bar opened in Leeds.
And the young entrepreneur behind the venue, 23-year-old Adam Bricklebank, has been blown away by the support for his first business - which has been nominated for five awards.
Adam opened his café and bar in Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, last summer after working in hospitality since he was 14.
Serving English breakfast classics including eggs royale, eggs benedict and avocado and toast, as well as brunch, lunch and cocktails, Bricklebank’s has been a hit with the local community and beyond.
“The support has been unbelievable,” Adam told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“It’s crazy the amount of support we’ve been getting from people all around the city, even people travelling from Wakefield to try us out.
“Customers always compliment how welcome and comfortable they feel every time they’re in, the atmosphere and the food and drinks.
“It has made me feel so proud of myself and proud of our team - they’re fantastic. We deliver a product that the area seems to have been missing.”
Bricklebank’s has been shortlisted in three categories at the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Oliver Awards 2024, as well as New Starter Business of the Year at the Yorkshire Choice Awards - Adam is also up for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year category.
And Adam has already got plans to expand the venue due to the demand, which he said had gone beyond anything he had expected.
“We use all locally-sourced ingredients and we try to be as sustainable as we can with everything that we do,” he added.
“We attract all different types of people, from older people to younger customers, to families, to young mums, it’s such a diverse crowd.
"The key is that there’s something for everyone - we’ve got the bar, the coffees, cocktails, wines, breakfast, evening meals, burgers.”
While the food has been a hit, Adam thinks it’s the service and his team that have kept customers coming back.
He said: “The idea behind the brand, even before we opened, was that we wanted to be personable. We want to provide a comfortable, laidback service that people feel at home with.
“It’s that type of service that makes people want to return back. Of course they want to come back for the food, but they also want to see the staff, to catch up with us and check how we’re doing.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who has shown us the support and come down so far. It’s really taken off and we all enjoy being at work.
“We’ve met friends here, they’re not just customers. It’s been absolutely fantastic.”