Thriving community café and hub marks one year anniversary

A community café and hub in the heart of the East Marsh area of Grimsby is thriving as it marks its one year anniversary.

The Duncombe Street Community Coffee Lounge is at the front of the newly renovated Salvation Army building after the church and charity moved back to the area in April last year.

Grimsby Salvation Army is developing a programme of activities and is keen to hear from the community on what they would like to see from the church and charity.

Major Alison Gardner, who leads the church with her husband Major Kenny, said: “Our coffee shop is getting busier and busier which is lovely to see. We have a great menu with some lovely homemade bakes. People can ask for their favourites and we’ll do our best to put them on the menu.

“It’s a warm welcoming space open to members of the public, as well as being a community hub, which we are looking forward to developing further in the coming months. We’re keen to hear from you about what you need and would like in East Marsh.

“The coffee lounge is the focal point of the building, it’s light and spacious. People can come and work, or hire space in it for meetings." 

“It’s also from there that we can offer further practical support to local people and families, connecting them with services, providing access to the internet or worship events.”

The Salvation Army first opened in Duncombe Street in 1888, but closed and had been running a limited program from St Andrew’s Methodist Church in Cleethorpes. However, after major renovations, it has now reopened in its original home.

As well as the coffee shop there are community kitchen training rooms, which in the future will be used to teach cooking using produce from the community garden, a worship hall, and space for groups to meet.

Alison continued: “We are really excited to be back. With the redevelopment of the car park opposite into a greener space which will not only be peaceful and pleasant to sit in but will also provide the community with the chance to plant, grow and cook their own vegetables, there’s a real energy about East Marsh.

“We’re already working with a number of community groups like the Fisherman’s Mission, Safe Families for Children, and Churches Together in North East Lincolnshire and we invite residents to get involved, so please do pop down for a cup of coffee and a cake and to talk to us about what you would like to see from your local Salvation Army as we continue to grow and develop.”

Pearl, a regular at the coffee lounge, said: “This is a special place to come to. There’s fresh food that doesn't cost the earth, comfy chairs and a good pot of tea. It’s a nice place to pop into as there's always a lovely welcome and someone to talk with. It feels like home.”

The coffee lounge is also a designated warm space open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

For more information search for Grimsby Salvation Army - Duncombe Street Community Coffee Lounge on Facebook or call 07407145110.