Memento Mori Coffee – named after the Latin phrase meaning “remember you will die” – has opened at 111 Great Western Road, near St George’s Cross subway station. Dating back to the second century, the motto has inspired architecture, music, and art through the ages, intended to encourage people to live in the moment and look after themselves.

Owner Gary Kane founded the café on the belief that life is too short for bad coffee. While still being decorated, the café will feature Gothic artwork and 19th-century furniture, accommodating up to 40 customers at a time. The coffee beans are supplied by Glasgow’s oldest coffee producer, Thomson’s Coffee Roasters, which was established in 1841.

After more than a decade of working in bars in Glasgow city centre, 36-year-old Gary decided to leave behind unsociable hours and graveyard shifts by seizing the opportunity to become his own boss. With a £17,000 loan through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme and DSL Business Finance, he acquired the unit – a former haberdashery – and equipped it with all the necessary café equipment.

Memento Mori Coffee offers a range of savoury and sweet treats and will be open seven days a week: from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm on Saturday, and 10.30am to 5.30pm on Sunday.

Gary Kane said: “People in Glasgow are known for their wit and dark sense of humour, so I hope they will realise that the theme of the café isn’t really about death, but about living life to the full – while enjoying great coffee. Looking ahead, it would be amazing to be able to expand our concept to another location in the city – but I’m taking one step at a time. I’m also eager to explore the idea of buying a mobile cart and taking Memento Mori Coffee on the road for even more customers to enjoy.”

The British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme has supported over 1,000 entrepreneurs and delivered more than £9 million in loans to new business owners in Glasgow since it began in 2012.

Barry McCulloch, senior manager, UK Network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: “We’re pleased to support an independent coffee shop bringing something new to Glasgow’s west end and has the ambition to compete with the big chains. New businesses bring a lot of value to local communities, and Memento Mori Coffee is a great example of how an entrepreneur’s idea can become a reality with the right support. I’m looking forward to seeing where it will take Gary in the future.”

Iain Burnside, Chief Operating Officer, DSL Business Finance Ltd said: “I am delighted to see Gary Kane’s vision come to life with Memento Mori Coffee. Gary’s meticulous business plan and projections truly stood out and were instrumental in securing the necessary funding. His early engagement with us even before submitting his application significantly expedited the process. At DSL Business Finance, we are always keen to support entrepreneurs who demonstrate such foresight and dedication. Memento Mori Coffee promises to be a remarkable addition to Glasgow’s west end, and we look forward to its success and future growth.”