Our Story
“A brilliant place with superb atmosphere and super friendly staff. Great service, you are always
served quickly and nothing is too much of a fuss.”
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Baobab Cafe was established in 2000 by its former owner Steve N. He and his wife originally came to the United Kingdom from Asia, but having roots in South Africa made him choose the name Baobab Cafe, as Baobab trees are iconic to his birth place. Baobab trees are also called the trees of life, hence the reason for this meaningful name.
Peter and Simona took over the Baobab café in Loughborough in 2011 and have run it since with love and dedication. Baobab has become a staple in the life of Loughborough and Loughborough University, offering affordable delicious food but also an inclusive social space with a great atmosphere for everyone for over 20 years. The café is actively involved in local charity causes and built a steady group of regular customers while offering a warm welcome to new visitors.
In 2016, Baobab expanded to nearby Oakham. Over the course of three months, Peter and Simona
on their own refurbished the premises of a former establishment on the main street and the second Baobab
café opened its doors in the spring. As in Loughborough Baobab brings excellent food, friendly
service and relaxed atmosphere to the residents and visitors of Rutland.
Spread over two floors in a
stylish period building, Baobab in Oakham presents a unique identity while maintaining the excellent
quality and appeal that the café has become known for.
In 2019, an opportunity came to replace the cosy but undersized location on the busy Market Street in Loughborough for something bigger. The café moved to a larger space right at the corner of Market Street and Ashby Square, right next to the bus stop and with plenty of outdoor sitting areas. The place can now offer the same friendly atmosphere – but to more happy visitors!
(Unfortunately our Oakham store was permanently closed due to pandemic in January 2021)
“Always service with a smile.”
New Loughborough Store
