EDINBURGH, Scotland (XOL Africa) — Tatashe Cafe, a Nigerian-owned cafe in North Edinburgh, is marking seven years in business with an anniversary celebration highlighting its evolution from a traditional Scottish cafe into a venue serving Nigerian-inspired food.
The business began as North Fort Cafe after Tosin Moemeke took over the cafe on July 28, 2019. At the time, it served sandwiches, wraps, Scottish breakfasts, cakes and coffee.
Its trajectory changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the cafe was forced to close for an extended period. Moemeke used the disruption to rethink the business and eventually rebranded it as a Nigerian cafe and bistro.
“Rebranding the cafe as a Nigerian cafe and bistro was one of the biggest decisions I made during my business journey,” Moemeke said. “It was a risk, but it felt like the right one, so I took the leap.”
The business later underwent another rebrand and became Tatashe Cafe, the name it operates under today.
The word “Tatashe” comes from Yoruba and means paprika, reflecting the cafe’s Nigerian identity and its focus on flavors associated with Nigerian cuisine.
The cafe, located at 19 North Fort Street, has developed an offering centered on Nigerian-inspired flatbread sandwiches, including flavors influenced by Lagos, alongside coffee, cakes and other cafe staples.
Moemeke said the business’s seven-year journey has been shaped not only by changes in its concept and branding but also by the support of customers and the wider North Edinburgh community.
The anniversary celebration will include a Buy One Get One Free promotion running from Aug. 10 through Oct. 16. Customers will be able to purchase a flatbread sandwich and receive another free as part of the cafe’s anniversary activities.
The promotion is also intended to thank customers who have supported the business through its various stages of development.
From its beginnings as North Fort Cafe in 2019, the business has navigated the disruption caused by the pandemic, changed its identity and established itself as a Nigerian cafe serving food inspired by the country’s culinary traditions.
The cafe said it plans to continue developing its menu while maintaining its connection with the local community.
Its evolution reflects the experience of an independent hospitality business adapting to changing circumstances while using food and cultural identity to establish a distinctive presence in Edinburgh.
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