Nestled on Wednesbury’s Upper High Street, Tracey’s might first appear as just another stylish juice bar, complete with flower walls and chic décor perfect for an Instagram snapshot. Yet this pastel pink venue has grown into a significant support network for the local community.
Established in 2023, Tracey’s is named in honour of Tracey, a beloved mother who passed away aged 45 after a two-year battle with a rare form of liver cancer. Before her death, Tracey, a former primary school teacher, had inspired others by sharing recipes on her blog for turning leftover fruit and vegetables into nutritious juices and smoothies - a practice that gave her strength during her illness.
Her daughter, Kloe Avon from Cannock, explained that Tracey’s optimism gave her family hope. “She thought she was going to beat it,” Kloe said. “When she passed, it seemed a shame for her efforts to end there.”
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To preserve their mother’s legacy, Kloe and her brother opened the juice bar. It soon took a surprising role as a community focal point, offering more than just refreshments. Noticing overheard conversations hinting at financial hardships faced by some customers, Kloe helped introduce a weekly “social supermarket” at Tracey’s, allowing people to purchase a basket of groceries for just £5.
Beyond this initiative, Tracey’s hosts activities such as regular Dungeons and Dragons evenings, a Sunday Run Club, and paint-a-pot sessions. These events provide safe and welcoming spaces for residents to unwind and connect.
Looking ahead, Tracey’s plans to introduce a “night safe” service on Friday evenings. From 8pm until 1am, it will offer a refuge for those feeling vulnerable or alone after nights out in the town, providing a place to wait for taxis, charge phones, and receive free water. Kloe aims to launch this service before Christmas.
Reflecting on the bar’s unexpected evolution, Kloe said, “Three years ago, I had no idea Tracey’s would become so involved in the community. I don’t even know how it happened, but it seems to be what people want. I don’t want to be a business that profits and doesn’t give anything back.”