By Līga Reimane
Chloe Reece has recently celebrated one year of owning Lui’s — the bright and cosy café bar nestled across the road from Northumberland Park. From creative workshops and quiz nights to festive soirées, there truly is never a dull moment at Lui’s. The café bar offers a welcoming space for all, whether you’re just popping in for a sweet treat and a cuppa or joining in on one of the many events being hosted.
The stars aligned for Chloe when she received an offer from her friend to take over the café bar in 2024. Being a primary school teacher by trade, owning a café was a dream of hers that had previously felt out of reach. Naturally, she accepted the offer and made it her mission to maintain Lui’s as a space for holding community and a place where people feel connected to one another. Chloe notes that nowadays many coffee shops and cafés are becoming more and more clinical, with visitors paying more attention to their electronic devices than the people around them.
“The space I want to create is somewhere you can come in on your own, have a coffee and speak to the person next to you, and for it not to feel uncomfortable or awkward. That extra warmth, the family feel where you’re always accepted and wanted”.
The walls of Lui’s are adorned by paintings created by local artists. Not only are these available for purchase, but the venue also hosts workshops where you can do your very own arts and crafts, making new friends along the way. December has been busy so far with wreath making, glass painting and candle making. Other regularly scheduled events include Lui’s book club, themed quizzes, live music and poetry, chess evenings as well as fun activities for the kids, like slime making!
“We’re here for the professionals, the family, the young people, the old people. Everyone can find a little space here”.
What makes me the most excited to return is Lui’s incredible selection of baked goods. From their homemade banana and chocolate loaf, breathtaking cakes made by Annie the Kitchen Witch, savoury snacks provided by Smashin’ Pasties, to the indulgent almond croissant from the Cakesmiths, which Chloe describes as the best croissant she’s ever had in her life. Most of Lui’s tasty treats even happen to be vegan! Lui’s, of course, also serves coffee, cocktails, smoothies and more. Chloe’s favourite drink is their ‘cococabana’ smoothie. Think piña colada, but the buzz comes from nourishment.
While Chloe is considering branching out in the future, possibly with catering for external events and eventually opening a second location, there are plenty of exciting events still happening this month and into the new year at Lui’s. Stop by for their special menu on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, their New Year’s Eve party for the year-round quiz, picky bits and prosecco on countdown, or let your creative juices flow at their ‘reiki and writing’ or ‘vision board and journaling’ workshops early next year.
Lui’s Instagram: luisbythepark
Lui’s Book Club: luis_bookclub
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