Edinburgh lifeline community cafe reopened by crime writer after Covid lockdown
| Author | Emma Cooper-Raeburn |
| Published date | 17 June 2022 |
| Publication title | EdinburghLive (Scotland) |
"I think a place like this community hub is great. It's a café where people can meet and it's completely accessible so nobody has to worry about stairs or anything like that and it's for all ages," Val states. "They have great menus, great coffees and has such a friendly atmosphere. There's always people in, it's never empty and it's always so welcoming."
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"Every community should have a resource like CafeLife. We're lucky to have it. The LifeCare centre, and all the vital services provided by the charity, help support serious issues such as isolation and loneliness. I'm proud to be supporting LifeCare in it's important work"
CafeLife is run by Edinburgh charity LifeCare, where all proceeds from café sales go towards the organisation's vital care services for older people living across Edinburgh.
Due to the pandemic, CafeLife had to close its doors which came as a real blow to their loyal customers who rely on coming in for a coffee and a chat in the most accessible café in the area, with plenty of space for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The café team took the opportunity during their closure to redecorate the interior through emergency funding which they have also recently received to refurbish the outside seating area of the café.
The kitchen staff also had the chance to create a new and improved menu to be tailored to all dietary needs and requirements. As well as the popular café, CafeLife also have function room to host classes for customers such as history classes, guitar lessons, Spanish, and dance, as well as hosting events such as birthday parties.
The café's grand reopening took place this afternoon with devoted customers stepping foot in their favourite café for the first time in two years.
Catherine Westbrook was excited to attend today's event, having frequently visited the café for coffee before attending life-drawing classes. "It was really great to come in here and have a cup of coffee while out doing the shopping. I've been coming here for three or four years.
"You can go to Starbucks and paying £3 or £4 for a coffee whereas here it's £2.50 and tastes just as great! I also monthly contribute to here as well. I've made so many friends here from my...
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