Beloved cafe owner Julia Pallister, who made a canalside venue feel like 'the warmest place in Birmingham' for 18 years, has died. Julia was the co-owner of Ju Ju's Cafe on Canal Square, near the Utilita Arena, which she ran alongside her daughter Beatrice. Her cafe was known for its hearty Sunday roasts and warm welcomes, and the community has paid tribute to the founder following her death on the morning of Wednesday, May 13.
Beatrice informed followers of the loss on social media, stating that her mum had been a 'besotted grandmother' and a 'devoted mum' and that the restaurant would be closed until further notice. In the post, Beatrice added that Julia—known as 'Ju Ju'—had received support from Birmingham Hospice in her final days.
The post read: 'Yesterday morning, my beloved mum Julia—the heart, the soul, the beating pulse of Ju Ju's for the past 18 years—passed away. Most of you will have known her the moment you walked through the door. The woman bustling around Ju Ju's who already knew your order. Who remembered your name. Who asked after your mum, your kids, your job interview—and genuinely wanted to know the answer. Who made this little cafe feel like the warmest place in Birmingham on even the coldest days.'
'She built Ju Ju's from nothing. Eighteen years ago she had a vision, a fierce work ethic, and absolutely no intention of doing anything by halves. What she created wasn't just a cafe. It was a community. Strangers became regulars. Regulars became friends. Her name was above the door because every single thing about it—the warmth, the welcome, the heart of it—was entirely, unmistakably her.'
'The most devoted mum. The most besotted grandmother to my little boy. Funny, straight talking and fiercely loyal. She didn't do fuss. What you saw was what you got—and what you got was extraordinary. In her final weeks Mum was cared for so tenderly by @brumshospice—first at home, then at their Selly Park hospice. In the hardest moments of our lives they were quietly, steadily extraordinary.'
Beatrice added that Ju Ju's would be closed until further notice, saying: 'What the future holds for this little place I love so much—I don't know. Rest easy Mum. You came from nothing and built something beautiful. Right until the very end. I love you forever.'
Paying tribute, Birmingham residents shared their sadness and comments. Staff at Santorini Restaurant wrote: 'We are so sad to read this, she has always been lovely and wonderful.' Lorraine West commented: 'Julia was a force of nature, the world to Julia was full of friends to be made, and as a loyal customer I will miss the massive bear hugs and the ability of Ju Ju to get my whole life in one conversation. Some of my best memories and meals revolve around Ju Ju's.'
Jenna added: 'I feel honoured to have known Julia, and for how much love and light she brought to that wonderful corner of our city. The way that Julia created such a community, bringing people together and as you said, making us feel important, was an absolute wonder. Julia is an amazing woman who we will never forget.'
Fundraising efforts for Birmingham Hospice in Julia's name had reached £267.50 at the time of writing.
