Liberty’s Coffee Shop opens at Code Fitness, Fernwood Business Park, Newark
A former coffee shop employee has taken over her workplace and opened a new business in the Code Fitness building at Fernwood Business Park.
Liberty’s Coffee Shop has now opened its doors - with plenty to offer fitness enthusiasts and coffee connoisseurs alike.
The establishment is the brainchild of Liberty Braithwaite, a Newark entrepreneur who has transformed the familiar spot into a beacon of community and caffeine.
Braithwaite, who previously managed the old Beyond Coffee shop, has taken the entrepreneurial leap at just 22-years-old — turning her dream into reality.
“It’s been a massive dream of mine to own a coffee shop,” said Liberty.
Her journey to ownership was fuelled by dedication and a vision to create a welcoming space for the community.
“I was running the coffee shop here before for the past couple of years,” she said.
“I decided I wanted to take it on and make it my own.
“It has taken a lot of time and dedication to get where I want it to be.
“I didn’t think it would be possible to do all of this at 22-years-of-age or to be taken seriously.
“But here I am.”
The shop has already garnered positive attention on social media platforms such as TikTok.
“There are a lot of things that have happened behind the scenes to get this off the ground,” said Liberty.
“I am a Newark girl and have been born and bred here.
“It means a lot to me to be able to bring something positive into my community.
“The aim is to make it not just a cafe but a welcoming place to come and visit.
“I feel fortunate and lucky to be in this situation, I am so glad that I have the support of my family and friends in helping me go forward.
“I don’t think a lot of people realise how much work goes into it so that support has been so important.
“I never really knew what I wanted to do before working here and I didn’t think I was good at anything so when I started working here it just all clicked.
“This experience really has changed my life. I love the buzz of working in a coffee shop, I am a people person and this environment is great for interacting with the community.
“It is great to make people smile, someone the other day said I brightened up their day and that was so rewarding.
“I love talking to people and making a positive impact on someone. I’ve really found what I want to do for my career and what I am passionate about — the plan in the future is to build on what we have here on a bigger scale.
The coffee shop sources its cakes from the nearby Side House Cafe at Claypole and plans to expand its menu offerings with smoothie bowls and meal preps.
Liberty’s commitment to her craft has taken her across the country, seeking the finest coffee and honing her skills through specialised training.
She is hoping that her business journey will encourage other young people to follow their entrepreneurial ambitions.
“It isn’t easy,” said Liberty.
“The biggest piece of guidance I can offer is to ask for people for help.
“You have to be confident and approach people you admire for advice, don’t be scared to ask.”
Liberty added that the aim for her coffee shop has been to create a place where conversations are shared, friendships are formed, and the community comes together.
The café welcomes patrons from 6.45 am to 2pm on weekdays, 8am to 2pm on Saturdays, and 9am to 1pm on Sundays, promising a warm welcome and a delicious brew.
