Author: njohnston16

An artisan coffee shop with a Nepalese twist: Guras Café is a hidden gem

  • Guras opened in Summer 2024, taking over the former “Wilder and Wilder” premises in Swinton
  • Nepalese fusion cuisine in the form of quick bites and seasonal specials
  • A dog friendly pit stop, close to the Loop Line walking route

A family affair, Guras Café has received a warm welcome to the neighbourhood. Tucked behind the Worsley Road Co-Op, the team offer a range of light bites that can be customised to suit your taste. Monton Matters met with Manoj, founder of Guras Café, to learn a little more about what they hope to bring to the local community.

Manoj has experience in the restaurant business and has always had a passion to open a family-run café. Having lived in Swinton previously, he was excited to return to the local area. Taking a pragmatic approach, Manoj and the team are trialling different dishes, and creating a bespoke menu based on feedback from regulars.

“Hybrid” dishes that combine the flavours and spices of Nepalese food, and dishes such as Burritos, Bao Buns and Shawarma have been popular so far. Manoj advises they have already established a winning option- and the “Nepalese inspired Fajita Wraps” are here to stay, proving a popular lunch order for passing tradespeople and remote workers, looking for something different to the usual meal deal.

“My favourite dish is MoMo (dumplings).” Manoj explained this dish is a popular Nepali street food, also popular in Tibet. Guras serve homemade “Chicken MoMo” for £6.50 a portion.

Good quality coffee can be found at Guras. Through a partnership with premium roasters Oddy Knocky Coffee , based in Bolton, it is apparent that Guras are taking great pride in serving up a smooth cup of joe. Manoj explained, “I ask people, do you have time to wait five minutes for your coffee?” If they do, he ensures their cup is precisely measured to the gram.

Although unique drinks such as the “Strawberry Iced Matcha Latte”, will come and go, they will incorporate seasonal favourites such as “Pumpkin Spice” and “Gingerbread” lattes, as the darker nights roll in. For those looking for something crisp, they offer a selection of wine and ales; Guras is partnered with Pendlebury local House of Hops.

The loyalty scheme available is extremely generous. Stamped loyalty cards are easily mislaid, so the innovative system involves connecting your points to your payment method, and/or phone number. Points tot up quickly and with free drinks and discounts to claim, it’s worth the extra minute at the till to sign up.

Manoj has explained that Stockport’s immensely popular monthly “Foodie Friday” event is something he would love to see in Swinton one day. A combination of street food, live music, and family-friendly evening entertainment, is an exciting prospect for the future of our local area. With this in mind, there are plans to host local small businesses, artists and entrepreneurs at Guras, with evening activities including a, “painting workshop” in the pipeline. They’re open to collaborating with local businesses- just get in touch via their socials or pop in for a chat, and try the coffee for yourself.

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/gurasuk

Order & Collect | https://www.guras.co.uk/

@gurasuk

Monton favourite “La Turka” blossoms into a fabulous brunch hotspot. Next stop: “Monton Carlo”

  • Fresh look, same fantastic service
  • Extended hours with dog and pram friendly spaces available
  • “Monton Carlo” revealed as a “Mediterranean café”: due to open in Summer 2024

The transformation of Monton Road continues as we welcome new businesses to our community.

There has been no expense spared as the team behind popular eatery La Turka revealed a tasteful new interior and extended menu in March 2024, re-branding to ‘Blossom Bistro by La Turka’.

Monton Matters met with Zaf Kesici, La Turka Managing Director, to find out more about the revamp, and his exciting plans for rumoured new venture, Monton Carlo.

A restauranteur with over 30 years’ experience in the industry, Zaf first brought his take on Turkish cuisine to Didsbury and Warrington, before settling in Monton, opening La Turka in 2015.

Famed for tasty skewers, light bites, and “one of the best value Sunday roasts in Monton” – it was great to see a range of exciting breakfast options such as ‘The Full Blossom Breakfast’ alongside the La Turka classics. According to Zaf, ‘The Lord of the Grill’ remains the most popular dish.

New options include daily deals, with ‘Manic Mondays’ offering 2 x courses for £20.95, and ‘Tapas Wednesdays’ offering customers 3 Tapas dishes for £15.00.

The Blossom Afternoon Tea strikes a balance between Mediterranean flavours such as hummus and falafel, with sultana scones and tea; customers can upgrade to bubbles for £5.00 extra.

For those looking to indulge, the trendy Bottomless Brunch is as popular as ever. At £33.00 for 90 minutes, it is an ideal choice for customers looking to stay local for special occasions.

The popular live entertainment including singers and dancers will continue on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Zaf explained that the extended menu and bright décor are designed to appeal to a wider audience, with a bright pink telephone box providing a stylish backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos.

The daytime concept was designed with accessibility in mind.”We have created a dog friendly space in the conservatory area, (and) configured the space to accommodate groups of up to 40 diners”- ideal for baby showers and business meetings.

Zaf welcomes customers with small babies and children, ensuring there is plenty of room for prams.

With comfortable booths and smaller tables to choose from, Blossom is ideal for those tired parents looking for a coffee and conversation during nap time.

Monton Matters asked Zaf for an update on Monton Carlo, opening just a few doors down the road.

Given the building work commenced in Spring 2024, and the name provoking some lighthearted discussion on social media recently, Zaf was delighted to announce more details.

Monton Carlo will be “a family place with a true Mediterranean café feel, offering patisserie-style cakes and light bites”.

The venue will also offer a cocktail menu and remain open in the evenings.

Plans for a soft launch are on the cards, and details will be shared via the Blossom by La Turka Facebook and Instagram pages- watch this space!

Blossom Bistro by La Turka are taking bookings online, and over the phone for group bookings of more than 10. Delivery options are scheduled to resume soon.