A POPULAR Bournemouth café is opening its doors to people who will be alone on Christmas Day.

Fika Bournemouth is a small coffee shop in Westover Road that opened in December 2021.

Owner Rob Lindsell opened the café up on Christmas Day last year as many people weren’t able to spend Christmas with friends and family due to Covid.

He said: “Last year, because of Covid and travel issues, I decided to open my little shop to the public, because many of us weren't able to get to our friends and families.

“Not expecting it to be all that busy, we were rammed. I never truly appreciated just how many people were lonely at Christmas, it wasn't just Covid restrictions, some people simply don't have people to be with and feel incredibly isolated.”

After so many people came to spend time in the café last Christmas, Rob decided to open on Christmas Day again this year.

He said: “After talking with many of my Fika community we have decided to open again this Christmas.

“Just a simple conversation and some laughter shared together on an otherwise very hard day for some, can really make a difference.

“To be honest, as much as I'd really appreciate a day off in an otherwise really busy season, it honestly just feels wrong not to open our doors again this year.

“We are not your normal coffee shop, we're a full blown community now.

“As such I would like to extend this offer of a safe warm place to be, to everyone in our local area. We cannot offer the traditional Christmas but all are welcome to visit Fika this December 25.”

Following on from last year Rob will be extending the Christmas Day times slightly, opening the doors at 10am and closing at around 3pm.

Visit Fika at 7 Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BA