Not like any other cafe

Cafe Domenica opened today at its new site just north of Preston Circus, close to the Duke of York’s cinema. It was originally located at the Old Steine.

Run by the charity Team Domenica, set up by Rosa Monckton, it is a training cafe providing young adults with learning disabilities an opportunity to work and learn new skills. It helps remove the barriers to employment, while allowing them to make friends and play an active part in the wider community.

The young people are friendly and enthusiastic. It is clear that they are proud of what they are doing. It is an effective way for them to showcase their skills.

The new cafe aims to offer a warm welcome to local people. From our observation it certainly succeeds in this. Aside from the friendly staff the cafe has another thing that makes it unique. The decor is dominated by flamingos: the walls; tablecloths; seats and even some of the glasses!

Ingredients are sourced from local businesses (including Bluebird Tea Co.) and food is prepared on site. The menu is small but varied.

The new cafe is open every day from 8.45am – 4pm and offers a breakfast menu till 11am, a lunch menu and afternoon tea.

By Clare Calder