A COFFEE shop that breathed new life into a derelict building could be named the best in Bradford.

The Telegraph & Argus recently launched its Best Coffee Shop 2024 competition.

Readers were asked to share their favourite venues and the nominations have now been whittled down to the final 10.

We are aiming to profile each of the finalists.

Today we are highlighting Idle Lounge Coffee House on Albion Road.

'A huge shock that we never expected'

Owner Nicky Brame spent 15 years travelling the world as an air stewardess before taking voluntary redundancy as she tried to start a family.

Nicky and her husband were eager to have children and had been trying IVF for years.

In the meantime, the derelict building on Albion Road was set to be used by Nicky's husband for his building company. 

But Nicky suggested a coffee shop instead - and the story after that is remarkable.

Nicky is proud of the space she's created Nicky is proud of the space she's created (Image: Newsquest)

"My husband did all the work and we opened in April 2016," she said.

"I then discovered on the weekend we opened that I was pregnant (naturally).

"It was a huge shock that we never expected but we were over the moon!  

"Now almost nine years later we have an extended coffee shop, much bigger, and two wonderful children."

'Our staff and customers are the best part of our business'

Nicky values the coffee shop's customers for sticking with her over that time.

She said if Idle Lounge Coffee House wins the T&A contest, the award would very much be for them too.

"Our staff and customers are the best part of our business," Nicky added.

The interior of Idle Coffee Lounge The interior of Idle Coffee Lounge (Image: Newsquest)

"We have a lovely team who all work very hard for long hours, seven days a week.  

"I believe our staff are what helps bring us such repeat custom.  A lot of our customers have become great friends, like family.  

"We are thrilled to reach the top 10 and to win would be amazing, not only for us but also for our customers whom I know would be just as excited as us."

How to vote

Don't miss out on your chance to vote for the coffee shop you think should win as part of our competition. 

All you need to do is fill out the voting form, which can be found in the T&A.

The voting coupon will run in the newspaper until December 7.