New campus café blends coffee with community

When tasked with rebranding Dalhousie University’s longstanding student pub, the Grawood, Lenka Tomlinson knew she wanted to create a more inviting and accessible space for students on campus.

Tomlinson, the manager of the Abstract Café, says that the Grawood was “losing a ton of money” and needed a change of vision. 

“We wanted to find something to completely revitalize both the space and the intention behind the service,” she says.

The first 50 customers at the café’s grand opening received Abstract Café branded tote bags filled with products donated by their sponsors. 

It was hard to find a seat during the Sept. 8 grand opening; the space was flooded with people throughout the day.

“I’ve been really pleasantly surprised,” says Tomlinson. “I’m very happy that we reached folks, and that people are excited to see the new space here. I think it definitely fills a gap, not just on campus, but in this area of the South End.”

The sentiment was shared by others who attended the grand opening. 

“There’s no other little coffee shops close to campus, so it’s pretty nice,” says Matt Campbell, a Dalhousie employee.

Located on the first floor of Dalhousie’s Student Union Building, the Abstract Café is easily accessible and inviting, giving students a place to quietly study or have fun with friends, according to Tomlinson. 

The new café serves coffee and offers alcohol from local breweries on tap. 

“I was very excited when I saw the posters. It’s nice to have a place that’s not a brand, like a Tim Hortons or Starbucks,” says Dal employee Gabby Douglas. “I imagine I’ll spend a lot of time here.” 

The Abstract Café is currently open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, but Tomlinson hopes the space will be used after hours.

The café is open to private and public event bookings, and organizers encourage societies around campus to host events in the space.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how students come and really shape the space,” Tomlinson says. “We want it to be something that builds legacy.”