SWALLOW's two Community Cafes are very popular - with the public and our members alike. The cafes enable our members to gain both catering and front of house skills, to help them on their journey towards employment. This year, our cafes have been very busy with various private catering events and they have also been running projects providing free and discounted meals for people and families in need. There is always lots going on! And with Christmas around the corner, the members in the cafes are very busy planning Christmas menus and creating lots of chutneys and jams for our lovely hampers.
We thought it would be nice to catch up with one of our members who works at the Radstock Cafe, Leanne, to see what it's like to be a trainee at the cafe.
What are your main jobs at the SWALLOW café?
I like the cleaning jobs best, like wiping the tables and cleaning the windows – and making them sparkle! I like cooking and making cakes and selling them to the customers.
What do you like best about working at the café?
I like the staff – Tara, Angela and Sophie are very friendly. I like working at both cafes. For me it is a dream come true to work in the SWALLOW cafes.
What do you think makes the SWALLOW cafes special?
The Billionaire's Chocolate Cheesecake is my favourite – it tastes the best and people love it.
Do you think you would be able to learn these skills anywhere else?
The cafes help me to learn new work skills. I’ve met new friends there who make me happy. I don’t know where else I would be able to do this.
What is the best meal you have made at the café?
My favourite best bit is the homemade pizza with pepperoni, black olives, spinach and tomatoes. I make it at home now too and also for my mum!
What feedback have you heard from customers at the café?
The customers like to come back and buy more things. They love the chocolate brownies and cheesecakes.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
I am happy with all of it!
If you haven't yet visited our cafes - you should really take Leanne's advice and go along to try out the Billionaire's Chocolate Cheesecake!
We are asking that people call in advance to book a table for food at the moment, as this helps us to manage our training space for adults with learning disabilities effectively.
The Radstock Cafe: 07565 752350
The Hive Cafe: 07834 598288
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