THE SWEET Centre in Bradford has served customers in Lumb Lane premises since 1964. It was one of the first cafes in the city bringing traditional Asian sweets and snacks. It is still thriving today.

We take a look at an early picture of the popular cafe which initially catered for the rapidly-growing Pakistani and Indian population in Bradford, who had nowhere to enjoy authentic desserts and savouries like the ones they grew up with.

It was set up by the late Haji Abdul Rehman, who was already running a bustling grocery at 194 Lumb Lane. He used his entire life-savings to set up the business. In 2018 it moved premises, but remained on Lumb Lane. It is the oldest Asian-owned business in Bradford.

Sadly, this week came the news that a long-established city centre café is set to close its doors. Fountains Coffee House, based at the Oastler Centre in John Street, is closing on March 31 after initially opening its doors in 1968, enjoying 55 years in business. Like the Sweet Centre, it has welcomed generations of the families for a bite to eat and a cuppa.