News / Restaurants

Palestinian-inspired restaurant warns of ‘very dire financial situation’

By Martin Booth  Thursday Dec 23, 2021

The co-owners of a Palestinian-inspired kitchen say that their business “may slip through the cracks” unless funds are raised in the next three weeks.

Jafra was originally due to begin trading at festivals from a vintage bus, and then switched tack by opening a restaurant on Midland Road in Old Market as well as being a pop-up at Strange Brew and The Love Inn.

A crowdfunder hopes to raise £10,000 in order to help keep them trading in 2022, by selling their finish at home meal boxes and other rewards.

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Omar Jowhar, co-owner and head chef of Jafra, said that the last two years “have been the most exciting, exhilarating and rewarding experience, whilst simultaneously being the most depleting and challenging of our lives”.

“Every time we thought we reached the edge, we’d push a little further. Always managing to find a bit more room.

“But now, as the latest surge of coronavirus has hit, we’ve had to shutter-up early during the most crucial part of the year, placing us in a very dire financial situation.

“We have gone as far as we can go on our own and are looking to our amazing customers and community for support.”

Some of the Palestinian food on offer at Jafra – photo: Khris Cowley

Jafra co-owner, Holly Meyrick, added: “Our core ethos is to give back to people through great food and amazing experiences. Your support will help us to continue to do this in Bristol. We have so much more in the pipeline.”

Products pre-purchased on Jafra’s crowdfunder page will be fulfilled early next year, including the finish at home feasts called Habibi boxes, A Love Inn banquet, a Jafra loyalty card and a party for up to 100 people.

To donate to the crowdfunder, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/jafra-kitchen

Jafra opened on Midland Road in October 2020 – photo: Khris Cowley

Main photo: Jafra

Read more: Best new food & drink in Bristol of 2021

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