A couple have big plans to launch their own coffee shop, Core Coffee and Kitchen, in Liverpool's city centre.
Michael Smith, 28, and Emma Ward, 28, met when they were in high school. Although their romance didn't flourish until years later when a chance meeting escalated into drinks, they hit it off and have been together for six years since.
The couple are still inseparable, with Emma even picking up shifts in Michael's family business, Bramley's Cafe. Michael's grandfather founded the business 26 years ago and has since passed on its secrets and day-to-day runnings to Michael and his brother, allowing his grandfather to relax into retirement.
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With Michael's family history and Emma by his side, the couple have decided to take the leap and open their own venue, independent of Bramley's name.
Michael told the ECHO: "Bramley's is inherited so we never had a chance to do our own thing. Emma worked in Bramley's over the weekend so we had plenty of experience on the floor and behind the scenes. We just thought, 'Why don't we open our own?' and it sort of spiralled."
After brainstorming the direction to take their first personal venture, the couple decided on Core Coffee and Kitchen which moves into the former Scouse Bird unit on Tarleton Street, ironically making Bramley's and Core direct neighbours.
In order to differentiate itself from competitors, Core aims to appeal to a younger clientele, offering cocktails and later opening hours. Michael said: "Bramleys is an older customer base whereas Core will be more of a fun and vibrant feeling.
"We're offering cocktails and plan to have an outside area. We're completely dog friendly too and want to
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