Sisters open dream coffee shop in Birstall

Kat and Syma Ahmed threw open the doors of Oskas just before Christmas, bringing premium Italian coffee, light bites and a little extra charm to the village’s centre.

Kat, 29, of Brighouse, said: “I have always wanted to open up a lovely, small coffee shop.

“The feedback has been amazing. We’ve had people saying ‘This is just what Birstall needed.’”

Syma, 26, added: “To begin with we were quite nervous. It was a long-time dream of both of us and we were afraid of what to expect.

“But it’s perfect and we’re really proud of what we’ve achieved.”

Syma runs Oskas, in 59 Low Lane, day-to-day with part-time staff Lisa White and Shona Paterson, while Kat works there at the weekend and helps with administrative jobs.

Already establishing regulars through a word-of-mouth buzz, Kat said that traders, villagers and those passing through could make use of the shop. She added that it is an ideal place for business meetings.

The sisters are literature lovers, and while growing up headed to many a coffee shop to escape the daily grind with a good book, said Syma. She hopes this will be a feature of Oskas, and wants to start a reading club there soon.

As well as coffee, people can get fresh sandwhiches and paninis, soups and cakes.

“We offer quality coffee and quality food which is freshly prepared on the premises,” said Kat.

Oskas is open from 8am-4pm on Monday to Saturday, and is closed Sundays.