In Vankleek Hill, there is a new place to enjoy a coffee with a friend, or to grab one to go for the road or office.
The Songbird Coffeehouse is now open in The Creating Centre at 13 High Street. Since Thursday, April 9, owner Sarp Diker has been serving Americano’s, lattés and other coffee creations to satisfy the community’s caffeine cravings.
Diker has 18 years of experience in the food service industry. He was born and raised in western Turkey near Izmir, which is the ancient city of Smyrna. He moved to Canada in 1999 but has traveled around the world. He began his catering career in Australia and New Zealand, where he met his wife Annelies, who is from The Netherlands. They lived in Ottawa until 2025 when they moved to a rural property outside Vankleek Hill with their son.
“We fell in love with the place. We’re very happy with the town,” Diker said of their new community.
Diker is also a recent graduate of the Culinary Management program at Algonquin College.
The coffee at Songbird Coffeehouse is from Totem Roasters of Vankleek Hill. Loose leaf teas and natural sodas are also available for beverages. A limited menu is available. Diker wants to focus on Mediterranean and vegetarian items and particularly wants to source as much of the ingredients as he can from local suppliers. He does not think that will be a challenge.
Diker acknowledges there are other café’s in Vankleek Hill. He does not want Songbird Coffeehouse to compete with them, but rather complement what is being offered. He is also focusing on sustainability to also complement the goals of The Creating Centre.
Currently, Songbird Coffeehouse is open Thursday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will also be open each Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning in May. The shop will also be open early on the days of major community events throughout the spring to fall season.
