A NEW world food shop has opened up on Carlisle's Botchergate where ‘everyone is welcome’.

Cynthia Waggah, alongside her partner, has relocated Afrikana Carlisle from the city’s Market Hall as they look to increase their offering and opening hours.

Cynthia, who moved from Kenya to Carlisle two years ago, described the shop as ‘continental’, featuring products from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean as well as plenty of UK produce.

“We have a little bit of everything from all over the world,” Cynthia said.

“Especially now dynamics are changing in Carlisle and Cumbria as a whole, we felt we should make a 'home away from home' and help people taste the world.

Afrikana is selling products from all across the worldAfrikana is selling products from all across the world (Image: Cynthia Waggah) “It’s not just people from Asian and African nations coming through the door, we’re seeing English people curious to try out something new.

“Carlisle is beautiful and we want to add to that beauty by sharing our culture with everyone who calls this city home," she said. 

But for Cynthia, it’s more than just a shop, it is a ‘social space’ where they can continue to operate the community interest company Afrikana.

“We’re here to help immigrants integrate into Carlisle and Cumbria and also help the community officiate the presence of immigrants and to see the positive change that immigrants can bring to society.

“It’s not just an African, Indian and Caribbean store, everyone is welcome. There is something for everyone.

New unit open seven days a week. New unit open seven days a week. (Image: Cynthia Waggah)

“Whoever wants to come in and give out information about the community, whatever is happening, you are welcome to bring that information in so it can reach a wider audience – especially the immigrants who have no one, they need a family as well,” she said.

Cynthia gave a 'huge thanks' to the Market Hall for helping facilitate the start of Afrikana's journey. 

Afrikana Carlisle is open from 115 Botchergate is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm and on Sundays from 11am to 4 pm

For more updates, you can follow Afrikana on Facebook here.