Last month, Sharon, the owner of the Pullup Bar Café, had an incredible opportunity to make a difference in the lives of some of Manchester’s young people.
Invited by Hide Out Youth Zone—a charity dedicated to supporting Manchester’s youth—Sharon spent a day teaching local kids how to cook traditional dishes, connecting with them, and listening stories about everyone's heritage.
Sharon taught the kids how to make delicious patties and chicken curry, bringing a taste of her roots and love of cooking into the community. Kids of all ages and backgrounds gathered around, learning the art of cooking and connecting with each other over food.
One of Sharon’s favorite ways to get to know people is by asking where they’re from and what their favorite foods and traditions are, and this simple icebreaker helped everyone open up and find common ground.
She wasn’t alone on this special day—Sharon brought along Kofi, a talented poet who performs regularly at her café’s popular poetry nights.
Kofi shared his passion for poetry and explained how it can be a powerful tool for self-expression. He helped the kids see that writing and poetry can be as therapeutic as cooking, giving them a new way to express themselves and connect with others.
At one point, the kids surprised Sharon by teaching her one of their songs, which created even more joy and laughter in the room.
The day was a beautiful exchange of cultures, with everyone learning something new from one another. Sharon left feeling deeply fulfilled, inspired by the kids' energy and excitement.
Sharon loves using her café, Pullup Bar Café, as a place where people can connect, share stories, and celebrate each other’s cultures.
Whether through food, poetry, or just spending time together, she believes in the power of community and can’t wait for the next opportunity to work with HideOut Youth Zone again.
For Sharon, it’s all about giving back, one meal—and one poem—at a time.
