The Lion at Ickleton, near Saffron Walden, Cambridgeshire, has opened a community café to provide a safe space to help people connect and socialise.
Pub is the Hub regional advisor, Terry Stork, with volunteers at The Lion
The pub was re-opened in June after members of the local community raised £440,000 for the purchase. The Lion has already become a local hub, offering food, real ale and a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Expert help and a Community Services Fund grant from Pub is The Hub was provided to support the opening of the community café.
The café, which currently opens on the third Friday of the month and is run by volunteers, has already become an important meeting place for families, friends, and those living alone.
It has become a ‘must visit’ for close to 50 people in the area and the numbers of people using the café continues to grow. There are plans to extend the opening times.
“Since opening, the response to our café has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Lizzie Molloy, society secretary and community café lead. “It’s been lovely to see so many friendly faces enjoying coffee, cake, and a chat together.
“It’s the perfect way to start your morning, meet friends and neighbours, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of your community pub.”
Regional advisor for Pub is The Hub, Terry Stork, said: “This is a pub that is really at the heart of its community. This important new service will enable people of all ages to get together and socialise to help combat social isolation.”
