Posted on 12th Sep
The YMCA Community and Activity Village in Newark has opened its flagship café, offering seasonal, local produce with a menu crafted by head chef David Ross, a local resident who has lived in the town for 20 years.
The fully-licensed café sits at the heart of the new community and activity village and provides a welcoming space for local residents, with part of the profits going back into the charity.
Stewarts Coffees, based in Nottinghamshire, is supplying artisan coffee, along with speciality teas and hand-picked beverages.
All ingredients in the café are locally sourced and seasonal, while all takeaway packaging is fully compostable and biodegradable.
Designed by award-winning local architect firm Benoy, the space takes inspiration from Newark’s industrial past, with polished concrete floors, exposed ducting, and corrugated iron panels.
This is complemented by landscaped outdoor seating area, designed by local landscape architects Influence, which includes a children’s play area and overlooks the Stadia football pitch.
David (pictured), who brings with him 30 plus years’ experience and who formerly held a Michelin Star, said: “We want the café to be the first port of call for our community, providing a space in which to gather, socialise, and feel connected to those around you.
“We have carefully crafted a menu that changes throughout the year and champions our incredible local area and its suppliers, while still being affordable and accessible to people of all ages.
“Food brings people together. It creates conversations and brings a moment of joy to your day. We wanted to maximise on this and create a unique space that nourishes the mind, body and spirit and I can’t wait to share this with the local community.”
The café is run on a not-for-profit basis, with proceeds going back to the YMCA Newark & Sherwood, enabling it to continue working to improve the lives of young adults and communities across Nottinghamshire.
Alongside the café, which has free WiFi throughout, there is an events space and function room with capacity for around 80 people, which can be hired for parties, business events, fundraisers, and match days.
It is open seven days a week and is open to the public and to anyone using the facilities at the Village.
