Be inspired
We talked to Bardhi, the owner of a local café Liam’s in the Park, to find out what makes a successful business in a green space, as well as discover the joys it brings.
What made you open a café in Canons Park?
I used to come to Canons Park every year to buy flowers from the Shaw Trust. I always thought the park was beautiful and had my eye on the café!
As soon as the café became available, I jumped in. Thanks to the Friends of Canons Park for choosing us at that time - they trusted us, and we will never let them down.
I knew this place had big potential. With the right coffee, homemade food, and care, it could really bring life back into the park. That’s why I’m here.
What does success look like to you and your business?
For me, success is not only about money. Success is when people are happy - mums after school drop-off, joggers after their run, grandparents with the kids. That’s success for me.
And the most important thing I want to say is this; everything we serve is homemade in our own central kitchen. We make croissants, pies, bread for the sandwiches, cakes - all homemade fresh every day and delivered here.
Our success comes because we are a family. It’s me, my brother, and my sister. Running a park café can be very difficult. You need care. We all work together to make sure that our customers are happy. Without that family effort, it wouldn’t work.
What do you need to think about when bringing a business into a park?
You need discipline. Open on time, close on time, rain or shine. People need to trust that you are there. A business in the park has one reason for being there; to bring people into the park and make the place more popular. That’s the real purpose.
And again, to succeed you need a strong setup behind you.
What is a highlight of running Liam’s in the Park?
The people. Every day, it’s different. Kids with hot chocolate, parents after the school run, park runners at the weekend - it’s full of life.
What I love the most is the events we organise for children. Storytelling and activities – it’s really popular with our customers and it makes the park feel alive. Families come together, parents relax, kids enjoy themselves - that’s when you see the café is not just for coffee, it’s part of the community.
Even though the building is old and not perfect, the life inside it makes me proud. And I hope the space can match the quality of what we do and keep bringing people together.