A COUPLE has opened a brand-new cafe bar in the heart of Cowley Road.

Jonathan Corp and Josephine Mikulla opened their new Café Bar JoJo’s, for the first time on Monday after quickly turning around the old Atomic Burger site into a stylish new watering hole.

The South Oxfordshire couple, who have been together for almost four years, signed for the property just three weeks ago but the handy pair have already managed to completely re-style the property and open for business.

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After being open for just two nights, with only two tables outside, they sold over 100 cocktails in just two nights.

Mr Corp, who has worked in hospitality for twelve years, said: “We want to get involved in the community and source as much as we can independently.

“We came up with the idea about two and half years ago and began looking around Oxford last year.

“It was a bit of a risk given the current lockdowns we have had, and people have been itching to get out.”

Miss Mikulla, who also works as a pharmacist, has lived in the city for over a decade, whereas her partner came to Oxford much more recently.

The new Café Bar will be open from 12 midday to past 11pm, serving barista coffee and draught cocktails that will always be two-for-one.

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The pair thought the draught cocktails, which include Espresso Martinis and Passion Fruit Martinis, will help them reach their goal of providing ‘efficient quick service’.

The owner added: “Cowley Road seemed quite vibrant, and we sourced barista coffee from The Missing Bean Coffee Roastery on Magdalen Road as we really want to source locally.

“We hope to be offering Barrel and Stone Pizzas and locally sourced pies in July once we have a kitchen.

“We just want to be renowned for our hospitality and make people leave happier than when they arrived.”

The Cafe Bar will also be handing out loyalty cards, so each customer gets their seventh coffee free.

The couple is now looking to hire several apprentices to work at the new Café Bar, as it is currently just Mr Corp and Miss Mikulla who are operating the site.

Mr Corp added: “We will expand depending on local demand because we want to explore other ideas to draw people in and let our guests have a say in our business.

“It is all about being part of the community and listening to their feedback and ideas.”

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The new site is aimed at all those who live in the Oxford community, from locals to students.

He said: “Anyone who is looking for a relaxing environment that offers great hospitality - our market is wide open.”

The new bar, located opposite the Ultimate Picture Palace, is surrounded by several other independent businesses, including the Big Scary Monsters social club.

Like JoJo’s, the social club opened amid the global pandemic.

Big Scary Monsters serves drinks as well as sells records.

JoJo’s is open Tuesday to Sunday from 12noon.

To book a table please visit https://jojoscafebar.co.uk/