David Bowie superfan Jade Eaves has combined a love of music and cooking to create a unique café that not only celebrates her idol but is a hub for the local community and visitors alike. The mum-of-one transformed former Paignton café Joey's into music-themed Bowie's last August.
Its walls are adorned like a shrine with photographs and posters of the legendary singer who is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Despite his death eight years ago, he remains as popular as ever and the cosy café in Torquay Road provides a quirky tribute to his long career.
Jade's love of David Bowie is not just confined to the café; her dog is even named Bowie and it all stems from her family being big fans of the performer.
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The 38-year-old recalled: "I got our dog the same week David Bowie died so I called him Bowie and that's where it all stemmed from. My whole family are Bowie fans and what we love about him is he has very eclectic music.
"I have never heard anyone say they don't like his music because there's something for everyone. I have had lots of customers donate pictures and posters and I've got some more to put up and I plan to put up a shelf of Bowie books.
"I can't play his music yet in the café because I can't afford the license you need but once I build up the business a bit more I will be able to.
"Customers absolutely love it when they come in here. I even get people come in just to take pictures of the café. I've had customers come in wearing Bowie clothes and one man came in and showed me a big Bowie tattoo he had on the back of his leg."
Bowie's is the first café Jade has owned and has seen her fulfil a lifetime ambition. She runs in entirely on her own and juggles running the business with raising her three-year-old son.
She said: "Last summer I saw that Joey's had a sign on the door from the owner who I know saying 'gone surfing'. After six weeks it was still shut so I rang Joey and he said he was done with it so I rang his business partner and luckily I got a loan from my parents to get the café.
"I transformed it all by myself by painting the walls to make them look fresh and white and covered them with David Bowie."
But it's not just music memorabilia that the café is renowned for. Jade has earned herself the nickname 'Omelette Queen' due to the renowned fluffy omelettes she dishes up.
She prides herself on only using local and fresh produce, such as from nearby butchers Palace Premier Meats, and far from being a greasy spoon café, she uses an air fryer to serve healthier food.
Jade said: "I make traditional breakfasts and also have a homemade specials boards with dishes such as curry, cottage pie and lasagna,. I also make my own soups and cakes as well as wraps and muffins.
"But what I'm really well-known for is being the 'Omelette Queen'. I have a lady who comes from Brixham every week just for my omelettes."
Customers also love the friendly atmosphere inside the café which often sees people chatting with those at neighbouring tables.
Jade said: "It's a very communal café with people from the local area coming in for a chat. People interact with each other as it's a very small café
"I absolutely love running the café. It's like my respite when I come to work. I'm a people person and I'm good at cooking too. I like making people happy with food and if they leave here full and smiling that's the main thing."
This summer Jade is hoping to launch an ice-cream stand at the front of the café and is looking forward to celebrating Bowie's first anniversary. Bowie's is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 2.30pm.
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