A brother and sister team from Swansea have launched a new eating place – after being inspired by a visit Down Under.

Tim and Sophia Joannides recently launched Bluebell Coffee & Kitchen in Sketty, Swansea, with support from Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise – and the new business is thriving.

The idea for the venture was born when Sophia returned from a working holiday in Australia where she worked in the burgeoning and trend-setting restaurant and cafe culture.

The new restaurant has been supported with a Business Start Up grant of £500 from Swansea Council in co-operation with Tata Steel subsidiary, UK Steel Enterprise which helped Tim & Sophia with their launch marketing in March.

Tim explained: “Sophia worked in Australia where the restaurant and cafe sector is expanding hugely.

“In general, Australian eateries are of an extremely high standard with delicious food and exceptional customer service.

Upon Sophia’s return to the UK, she joined Tim’s existing pet innovations and manufacturing business, they decided Swansea was lacking forward thinking, home-made food so decided to take the plunge into what has always been a dream of theirs – to open a cafe come restaurant, producing superior food and drink.”

Bluebell Coffee & Kitchen is located in Sketty, Swansea has 70 covers, serving food throughout the day 7 days a week and becomes a wine/gin bar in the evening.

Tim who is a well known entrepreneur in Swansea with several business successes behind him, is planning to open three restaurants in Swansea under the Bluebell brand in the next three years. In the longer term, he says they may look to expanding into Cardiff.

The quality of food at Bluebell is paramount. “We pride ourselves on the standard of our food, and our focus is always on providing first class service,” added Tim.

Martin Palmer of UK Steel Enterprise commented: “We are delighted to have been able to support this venture which is creating jobs and has already become an important part of the local community and wish Tim and Sophia well.”

Lee Wyndham, Economic Development Officer for Swansea Council said, “Working in partnership with UK Steel Enterprise has allowed us to support the development of a number of new businesses across Swansea.”

Photo Caption: Down Under dining: from left Tim Joannides, Lee Wyndam Swansea Council and Martin Palmer UK Steel Enterprise.