Newark Salvation Army launches ‘Toastie Cafe’ this summer

The Salvation Army in Newark is proud to launch Toasties Café, a warm and welcoming initiative designed to feed the community and foster connection during the summer holidays. Opening from 18 August, the café will run for two weeks, Monday to Friday, 12–2pm, at Mead Way, Balderton, NG24 3GA, offering free meals and fun activities for children. 

With the cost of living still hitting many families hard, Toasties Café is stepping in to make sure no one goes hungry or feels alone this summer. For just £2, adults can enjoy a toastie and a hot drink, while kids eat free with no need to purchase an adult meal. 

Captain Sarah O’Grady, Corps Officer of Salvation Army in Newark, said: “We know that the summer holidays can be an especially challenging time for families—when routines change, costs go up, and the pressure to keep children fed and entertained can feel overwhelming. 

“Toasties Café is our way of saying, ‘You don’t have to do this alone.’ It’s a space where families can gather, enjoy a warm, affordable meal, and where children can laugh, play, and just be kids. Best of all, children eat completely free—no referrals, no booking, no questions asked. Just turn up and feel welcome.” 

But food is only part of the story. Alongside a tasty lunch, visitors can take part in free indoor activities, including basketball, table tennis, pool, and football, making the café a great place for families to relax and play in a safe, supportive space, plus there is also a toddler corner for little children to play. 

The initiative reflects The Salvation Army’s deep commitment to supporting individuals and families beyond emergency relief, providing consistent, compassionate care for the family. 

The café is located at The Salvation Army’s Newark church and community centre, which holds a 5-star food hygiene rating and has long been a trusted place of welcome, service, and support in Balderton. 

Location: The Salvation Army – Mead Way, Balderton, Newark, NG24 3GA 

Dates: Monday to Friday (18-29 August) 

Time: 12-2pm daily 

Cost: Free for children. £2 for a toastie and drink for adults. 

Please note: Toasties Café will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 25 August. 

For many families, summer can mean tighter budgets and tougher choices. But this August, it is hoped that this initiative will help alleviate the financial worries that parents may have. 

More than a third of parents (35%) plan to skip meals so their children can go to holiday club, according to a new survey by The Salvation Army.   

The snapshot survey also found of those parents asked:  

• 36% cannot afford to pay for childcare over summer.   

• 36% said they can’t afford to take time off to care for their children during the summer break. 

• 30% will not be able to afford to take their children on any sort of holiday* 

The Salvation Army in Newark offers a welcoming space throughout the week with a variety of activities including community warm space, monthly lunch club, Charity & Book Shop. For more information on activities from The Salvation Army in Newark follow on Facebook