Tucked away on the outskirts of Pendleton, Love Community Café is a small but welcoming space with a clear purpose. Founded by Deborah Tesfaye, it has become a place where people can find not just food, but support and community.
A hub for cultural exchange and learning, the café has a sense of community that touches every customer, as well as the wider city through its missions and goals. Having been open for over six years, it acts as a safe space for those in crisis, in need of support, or simply looking for a friendly face as they navigate life in Salford.
At the heart of this community is Deborah Tesfaye, whose passion lies in helping others discover their skills, as she did herself.
After arriving in Salford from Eritrea as a refugee in 2006, Deborah did not always recognise her skills in catering. She spoke about how difficult it can be for refugees and newcomers to fit in, and the importance of being shown how the system works.
Deborah, founder of Love Community Café, said: “When I first arrived in Salford 20 years ago, I didn’t know about the opportunities of being able to rent and work. A lot of newcomers, like refugees and asylum seekers, have good skills and experience.
“They want to change their own lives and the lives of local people, and they want to share both what they have in their hands and in their hearts.”
Deborah’s own experience of finding her place in Salford did not come easily. She spent 15 years volunteering, with no clear idea of her direction, until a friend told her about a shop available for rent.
“I didn’t know how to use my catering skills because I didn’t know the system,” she said. “And newcomers to Salford want to understand how the system works and how it functions.”
Located on Seaford Road in Pendleton, the café has become a meeting point for people across the community. Refugees and asylum seekers from countries including Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia gather alongside local residents, while Deborah hosts events celebrating culture, charities and community.
With an Ethio-Eritrean menu cooked by Deborah alongside volunteers, the café offers dishes such as tibs, kitfo, spaghetti, firfir and rice curry.
However, her work is not confined to food. Deborah also founded the Selam Language and Culture Association in 2009, which teaches children to read and write in their own language.
She spoke about the café’s growth, and how its connection with residents has brought support in many forms, including advice, information, education and employment.
She said: “If people in Salford can help newcomers, their skills will come out – they have special skills in their own lives, and they will come out faster than mine did.”Deborah admits her own skills were hidden for many years. While she carried out voluntary work and supported her family, the real difference she made came after she learned the system and began helping others through her catering.
She said: “For me, a nomination is like being counted – I never think that someone is noticing what I’m doing. I feel proud that someone is seeing my work, and it encourages me to keep going.”
With plans to expand into Walkden, Eccles and Salford Precinct, Deborah hopes to bring the café’s sense of community to more people across the city.
Deborah’s work continues to make a difference, helping others develop their skills and find their place in Salford.
