Interview with Shewa Hagos, Owner of Blue Nile Cafe, Woolwich

by Benson Agoha

“Authentic & friendly”, “Little Gem”, “Great local!” These are some of the names Blue Nile Cafe Restaurant, Woolwich, has attracted to itself since being named as one of the best restaurants in London. Even irresistible and enticing comments such as “Believe the hype!”, “A True Blue Delight” are there.

Unsurprisingly, many of the comments are from restaurant reviewers in the capital.  So we headed to Blue Nile Cafe in search of an interview.

On arrival, the “Friendly, intimate place, with excellent food”, was filled with diners. No seriously, filled to the brim, with only a few bar stools vacant near the exit. We were lucky!

Restaurant owner, Shewa Hagos was expectedly busy in the kitchen and we were asked to wait - and watched the waitress dart to and fort. Then we looked at the faces of diners - they were happy.

When Shewa Hagos, a familiar face to us, emerged, she was her usual simple and unassuming woman, with that cool, calculating and compact disposition. She stood there looking at us as we introduced ourselves and mission.

 

This was a woman we knew. Before the transformation, she used that same shop as a  snack/sandwich bar. So what inspired the change? She said she had to change where there were not many customer for sandwiches bar anymore because "everybody was selling snacks and sandwiches", she said. "even kiosks, supermarkets and off licences were into it".

As we talked, another couple arrived for dinner.  But they will have to wait for seats and Shewa sprang up, smooth talked her way to convincing them to wait. They obliged and would return after 20 minutes.

WO: What is the reason why Blue Nile was among the best in the capital?

Shewa: Because our food is East African food. It is unique and freshly made everyday, with ingredients sourced from local produce. And it is gluten free.

WO: What inspired your decision to change from Sandwich bar to a restaurant, even though there was no obviousl vacuum in the area?

Shewa: My business was struggling and sales were small.  I could not even pay my council tax for the place and there was no help forthcoming from any where. I knew I had to do something.

WO: Did you consider going to your bank?

Shewa said the bank refused to give her a loan and even said she should come back when she has money. "They even took away my overdraft facility", she told us. Nor could she go to the Council which only provides advice to small business, but gives no money. In fact, she tells us, she was even told to simply close down if she did not have any money.

She did not give up. Eventually, she says help came from her family. After a collective heart-to-heart chat, during which frank discussion was held, "we decided as a family to change business."

But how was the assessment carried out, and what were the points that led to TripAdvisor's declaration? Did she invite them or took part in any culinary competition?

Shewa said she did not even know about TripAdvisor before. "We just cooked our food and served out customers well, ensuring that they have a good meal, and leave with a good feeling", she said.

WO: So it was not part of your direct marketing?

Shewa: The customers came and ate and after they have enjoyed their meal and the atmosphere, they will go and leave a comment on the TripAdvisor's website.  So no, it was not due to any direct marketing or promotion from us.

"Every customer that comes through the door is very important," she tells Woolwich Online. "If you are good to the customer in front of you, the one behind will be willing to wait in order to experience the same thing.  So we treat every customer real nicely and make sure that they leave with a good impression of Blue Nile Cafe."

She explained that Blue Nile caters for everyone, and have options including those suitable for vegetarians. 

WO: So what is your goal now that you have been so named?

Shewa: Our goal is to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction, so that they come back. We want them to eat, enjoy themselves so much that they will come back and bring their friends also."

WO: And in the long run?

Shewa: "We can only take it day by day for now."

WO: Any Advise for other entrepreneurs?

Shewa: "I worked hard, 7 days a week because I did not want to give up.  I did not come from Eritrea to give up, so they should not give up. They day you give up, you have failed. No matter where you come, if you believe that the business would work, just do it."

Blue Nile Cafe, Woolwich is closed on Mondays and is open every other day of the week as follow: Tuesday - Sunday: 11.30am - 3.00pm and 6.00pm - 11.00m.

To reserve a table, call 0208 855 0369. For any other information, visit: www.bluenilecafe.com.