Community pride at the Lion cafe, Kington

Sat in the heart of Kington, the Lion café is a Talk Community Hub with a big heart and a lot to offer.  There is a homely feel to the café which offers something for everyone. There is a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with plenty of space for kids to play, whilst the grown up’s relax (what’s not to like?).  But with two large rooms, there’s enough space for anyone wanting to sit quietly and read a book or have a catch up over a coffee in a cosy corner (did someone mention cake?!).

The café is run by manager Kate, who offers a warm welcome on arrival. She explained that by becoming a hub in 2021, she felt the café ‘bringing the community together’; that it brought ‘a bigger variety of people in and people know there is somewhere they can come and always have a friendly welcome and access information.’

Kate says she loves meeting the wide variety of people who use the café, from walkers and visitors to the area, to families that pop in for regular events.

The café has been hosting events as part of the Winter of Wellbeing, serving a hot meal alongside fun family activities every Monday evening throughout March.

 Kate also runs a weekly stay and play, monthly book club, a dungeons and dragons evening and monthly acoustic sessions. There is also a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) group who meet every two weeks, a monthly carers drop in with Carerslinks and Crossroads together, and an hvoss drop in, supporting any community groups that need help with funding.

Whilst this sounds like an already full schedule, Kate is currently working on plans to deliver crafting events and an area for co-working at the cafe; she says her next ‘big project’ is setting up a community larder and repair café, so watch this space!