As part of the council’s Walworth Heritage Action Zone initiative, Southwark worked with Historic England and specialist heritage architects, Purcell, to give businesses like Mary’s a new lease of life, while maintaining their charm and local character.
Beginning in September 2024 and being completed in January 2025, the work included a range of internal and external improvements such a new roof, windows and drainage system and brickwork repairs crowned by an all-new shopfront in an eye-catching, attractive and traditional style – all just in time for its 60th birthday!
Mary’s has been owned and operated by the Mustafa family for all 60 years since it first opened. It’s now run by Huseyin – who started full-time in 1980 and took over from his father, the original owner – and his wife Hatice. They find the café’s transformation incredible.
“It’s been a revelation,” said Huseyin. “The response we’ve had is absolutely amazing. People who don’t know us always stop and say how lovely it is.
“We’ve been so impressed by the workmanship and the traditional style – apparently it’s quite similar to how it was in the Victorian times. People even stop outside to take pictures!”
The project cost was around £250k with contributions from the council’s High Streets Fund and 40 per cent from a Historic England grant.
Southwark’s Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) programme aims to revitalize historic places to unlock their potential and boost economic growth while adding social and cultural value to the community.
The Walworth HAZ was announced in November 2017 and was the first in inner London, funded by grants from Historic England and Southwark Council, with contributions from the Walworth Society.
For more information on the range of assistance available for local businesses in Southwark, visit our business support webpages.