A COFFEE shop owner, who overcame serious illness to fulfil her long held dream of opening a café, is about to celebrate a successful first year – with a thanks to her customers.
Strensall Coffee House, owned by Hazal, 28, and run alongside her brother, opened last September and has had tremendous success in the area ever since.
The café, in Barley Rise in Strensall, serves luxury coffee and tea as well as hot and cold food, including both breakfast and lunch. The team also accommodate for gluten tree and vegan diets.
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Hazal, who runs the front of house while Ozgur runs the kitchen, was inspired to start the café after seeing family members run their own businesses.
The café, which is in an area with no other food outlets, has gained recognition as one of the fastest growing in the city.
Speaking about her journey, Hazal said: “On March 10, 2023, I achieved a long-held dream by signing the lease for my café. It took over a year of hard work and persistence to overcome the many obstacles that came with transforming a butcher's shop into a cosy café.
“Just five weeks later, my life took an unexpected turn - I was diagnosed with stage four Lymphoma.
“Throughout the intense journey of medical tests, chemotherapy, and all that comes with battling cancer, I refused to let go of my dream. Opening the café became my source of strength and hope.”
Despite the physical and emotional toll that cancer took on her, Hazal felt determined to push on with her café – making plans around her treatment and working seven-day weeks, where possible, to get things off the ground.
She thanked her family for their support, stating: “Without them, none of this would have been possible. Even in my toughest moments, I held on to the belief that I could build something beautiful.”
“The journey was never easy, but through it all, my love for this café and the unwavering support of those around me gave me the strength to keep going.
“A year later, I still can’t quite believe how fortunate I am—not only to be here, but to be living my dream with a thriving café. Strensall Coffee House has become more than just a business; it’s a place filled with incredible customers who bring so much joy and warmth every day. I am beyond grateful for this journey and for the people who have made it all possible.”
The café was also celebrated by former York Outer MP Julian Sturdy during his ‘Small Business Saturday’, who praised the way that people embraced the new business as part of the community.
Standout favourites are the scrambled eggs on toast, paninis, and homemade cakes.
She said: “It’s exceeded our expectations; we’ve had support from all over – it’s nice because we’re not in a town centre and we still get this business.
“It’s been rewarding to see so many people visit and enjoy their experience at our cafe. The positive reviews and the warm, friendly faces we see each day have made all the hard work worthwhile.
Alongside running the café, Hazal is training for the 2025 London Marathon to raise awareness for Lymphoma Action - her JustGiving page is here.
The 20 per cent offer will be running all day on Friday September 27 across the menu.
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