Colin Blair runs Johnny Baghdad’s Cafe on the Square a uniqe cafe that’s now an insitution in Masham with its menu, its Market place location and its overall vibe.
This cafe which has a uniquely eastern ambience in the middle of a small North Yorkshire market town, is quite a surprise. The hearty and varied menu makes it a popular stop-off for cyclists or visitors and a relaxed meeting spot for locals. It is a peculierly™ Masham business, that’s for sure and one you’ll definitely want to explore for yourself!
You can explore Masham via our maps below and read Colin’s inside info in the following section.
Peculierly Interesting...
How did you come to run the business?
I was living in Masham and running an outside catering business and thought it was a perfect place for a quirky café. That was 25 years ago!
Top sellers:
Chicken or Veg Shawarma, our own branded coffee.
Most peculier product:
The Shawarma or spiced apple chutney in a panini!
What makes your business special?
The decoration is quirky with a red room and an open fire, beams and ceilings are decorated with masks, prayer flags and garlands, walls with original art. Influenced by my travels, I serve world food and offer a range of gifts. The cafe often attracts an artistic crowd as well as great coffee lovers!
Famous customers:
Brownlee brothers, triathlon gold medalists, Alexander Armstrong, Pointless host and a number of Emmerdale actors pop in from time to time.
Favourite place:
Round the River Burn and Hackfall.
What makes Masham peculier?
Spend some time wandering around and look out for the fake windows – therein lies a story.
Insider tip:
Stay the weekend and not just the day to get into the Masham vibe.
More Peculierly Masham NewsPeculierly Masham Shop Local
Did you know that every £10 spent in a local independent business is worth £25 to the local economy in terms of jobs supported and money paid to local suppliers, but it’s worth just £14 when spent in national supermarkets?
Support local businesses in Masham and you’ll meet some great people, find interesting souvenirs, and discover so much more about our area. You’ll also be supporting and maintinaing the local economy, independent shops and businesses that locals rely on, which so many visitors come to enjoy. 
Supermarket home delivery is convenient, but shop locally and you will find added value – a friendly smile and a chat, the inside track on where to go and, of course, some great local characters.
So please do your bit and support our local shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs whenever you can. Enjoy Peculierly Masham life to the full.
PECULIER™ and OLD PECULIER™ are trademarks owned by T.&R. Theakston Limited and used with their permission and under licence.
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