A Brazilian woman who began her Sheffield hospitality career as a kitchen porter is preparing to fulfil a 12-year dream by opening her own café, bar and grill in Orchard Square.

Josana Pereira will be the driving force behind Boteco Brasil, an independent venue bringing the authentic food, music and welcoming spirit of Brasil to Sheffield.

Due to open in late September, the business will serve breakfast, lunch and evening meals, alongside speciality Brasilian coffee, grilled dishes, cocktails and regular live music.

Josana arrived in Britain 12 years ago with little more than a dream of one day creating a venue that reflected the culture she grew up with.

Her first Sheffield job was as a kitchen porter at VeroGusto. Within a week, her enthusiasm and ability had been recognised and she was invited into the kitchen, beginning a journey that would see her build a successful career in some of Sheffield’s best-known hospitality venues including Leopold Square’s Cubana and Grappa.

She said: “From the very beginning I dreamed of creating somewhere that felt like home.

“I’ve worked incredibly hard, learned from some wonderful people and waited a long time for this opportunity.

“Boteco Brasil won’t just be somewhere to eat. I want people to experience the warmth, friendliness and atmosphere that make Brasil so special. I want everyone who walks through the door to feel genuinely welcome.”

The word “boteco” describes the informal neighbourhood bars found throughout Brasil where friends and families gather over simple food, drinks and conversation.

Josana hopes to recreate that same atmosphere in Sheffield through authentic home-style cooking, speciality coffee, grilled meats, traditional snacks, cocktails and regular live music.

Josana credits much of her inspiration to her mother, whose family has a long tradition of running bars and restaurants in Brasil.

The venue will accommodate around 50 customers, together with outdoor seating, and plans include regular live music, cultural events and celebrations designed to bring Sheffield’s growing Brasilian community together while introducing more people to the country’s food and traditions.