THIS new cafe is certainly worth a butcher's.

The Chai Lounge Café in New Bank Road has been transformed into a stunning new café after a £40,000 makeover.

It was formerly a halal butchers which has moved across the road.

The cafe has been opened by Talib Akhtar who said: “I always wanted to do something different and it has certainly got more people upbeat in the area especially after the time we had this year. It has been a tough year for everyone.”

The shop which opened on Monday has been completely renovated inside and out with a new floor and ceiling installed.

Asian Image:

Talib Akhtar and Ismail Seedat at the new Chai Lounge Cafe

Talib said: “It took over six months to complete. I wanted to be sure and happy with the finished look. I am delighted how it has turned out.

“I came up with the whole design and the menu which I wanted to keep simple and affordable.

“That is one thing we were keen about – keeping our prices reasonable. There are people who have been furloughed or are out of a job and we just wanted to make sure our menu was affordable.

“Hopefully it will give a good positive vibe for the New Bank Road area.”

The menu includes paninis, breakfasts and a range of hot and cold drinks. The cafe also offers some traditional Asian favourites such as karak chai and aloo paratha.

When opened for sit-down meals the café will be able to accommodate up to 10 seated customers.

Talib said: “There is really nowhere for families to sit in the area and this was the main reason we opened here. If people just want to pop out for a tea or ice cream they have to head into Whalley Range.

“We are open from 8am till 9pm each and every day but only for take out at the moment.”

One of the café’s standout features is a mural painted by Oldham artist Javed Saddique.

Talib added: “We are really proud of his creation and it is certainly turning heads. He spent three days here putting this together for us.”