Nuda, a health-focused café at 215 Seabank Road in New Brighton, was forced to double its staff within the first week of opening due to overwhelming demand. The cafe, which launched just a few weeks ago, is the brainchild of Kris Leigh and Leanne Jones, who started the business from their home in Liscard only a month earlier.
From Home Kitchen to Bustling Café
The couple initially operated Nuda from their home, offering pre-ordered açaí bowls and drinks through an app for collection. The operation quickly became so busy on weekends that neighbors began wondering why so many people and cars were gathering outside the house. Alongside home collections, the pair built their brand by attending markets, gyms, reformer studios, and local business events. Their appearance at the New Brighton Farmers' Market proved especially successful, with the team selling out within just a couple of hours.
Pop-Up Success Leads to Permanent Home
The growing popularity and strong social media following caught the attention of Sola Beauty on Cambridge Road, which offered them space to open a permanent café. This opportunity allowed the couple to turn their online success into a bricks-and-mortar business. Kris Leigh said the past three months had been "wild", with demand far exceeding expectations from the moment they opened. The business has already expanded from one or two people to five or six staff working weekends to keep up with orders.
Owner Leaves Teaching Role to Focus on Café
Since the café launched, Leanne Jones has left her full-time role as a head of year at a secondary school to focus on Nuda. The café is open Tuesday to Sunday, offering eat-in seating, takeaway collections, and catering for events, weddings, and fitness clubs. Leanne said the response has been overwhelming, with the café’s social media following growing by thousands within days of announcing the new premises. She believes the UK is only beginning to embrace açaí, compared with countries such as the US and Australia, and hopes to expand the healthy menu while keeping some indulgent treats.
Positive Impact on Local Community and Family
The owners say nearby businesses have reported increased footfall and social media engagement since Nuda opened, something they are proud to hear. They want the café to support the wider community by working with other local businesses and hosting health and fitness events. The business has also had a positive impact on the couple’s family, with Leanne’s 14-year-old son, who has additional needs, now working in the café. She said the experience is helping him build confidence, develop social skills, and gain valuable work experience in a supportive environment.
