Your Govanhill: Get to know Anna Strzalkowska of Bees Knees
Tucked away just off Victoria Road at 83 Bowman Street, the cosy Bee’s Knees Café is run by owner Anna Strzalkowska. Anna makes everyone feel like a member of the family, right from the minute they walk through the door. We popped in to get to know her better.
Interview by Ania Marchwiak
Portarit of Anna Strzalkowska | Photo by Michael Paley
At Bee’s Knees, Anna makes everyone welcome with her big smile and open heart, serving delicious coffee and homemade cakes. Her café is a quirky space filled with art, love and laughter.
She has an MA in Social Culture and Community Studies and it’s her vast experience of working with communities which led her to open her own café that brings people together.
Being an artist and illustrator herself, Anna supports local makers and artists by displaying and selling their art in the café. There are vegan handmade soaps, candles and bespoke jewellery. She also hosts exhibitions for local artists.
Some of Anna’s art | Photo by Michael Paley
Where are you from and what do you do?
I’ve been here for 15 years, before I was somewhere else. Simply, I am just here and now.
What does your coffee shop mean to you?
It is a dream I had in the past. Now I have fulfilled it and I don’t have to dream about it anymore. It is a place that I had always wanted to spend time in, and I couldn’t find it.
What do you like to do?
All I can and all I cannot. But the thing that I like doing the most is participating in and experiencing the world and transferring the things I see into pictures or words.
What was the last book you read?
I read A Child Across the Sky by Jonathan Carroll again after many years – I am addicted to his writing.
Favourite tunes?
There are a lot. Folk music from around the world is closest to my heart. Trip hop is closest to me in the everyday setting.
If you were to sing a song at this very moment, what would it be?
I can fly
But I want his wings
I can shine, even in the darkness
But I crave the light that he brings
Revel in the songs that he sings
My angel Gabriel
It’s the song Gabriel, by Lamb
Have you cooked anything interesting lately?
I’ve made a basil cheesecake for the café – you need to try it, it’s to die for!
What is the one thing you have missed during the lockdowns?
Open mics and events at Bee’s Knees… I’ve missed people!
What is the thing you like the most in Govanhill?
The colourfulness, diversity, the energy of its people.
Do you have a favourite spot in Govanhill?
Queen’s Park – every single inch of that space.
What are your plans in relation to Bee’s Knees?
To be, enjoy life, meet people, make good coffee and peace, and to give it all to my customers.
Coming up at Bee’s Knees Cafe
FRI, 3 DEC AT 18:30
Polish Hedgehog Baubles Christmas folk art workshop at Bee's Knees
FRI, 10 DEC AT 19:30
