The Catering Cup Café Officially Opens to Support Students and the Community
Thursday 21st May 2026 marked the official opening of The Catering Cup Café, a welcoming new community space designed to provide Foundation Studies students with valuable real-life work experience while bringing people together through food, conversation, and community spirit.
The café, which was officially opened by The Worshipful Mayor of Halton, Councillor Pamela Wallace, began as a simple idea just one year ago. Through the dedication, collaboration, and generosity of local organisations, businesses, staff, students, and residents, that vision has now become a reality.
The Catering Cup Café has been created with the community and for the community, offering Foundation Studies students the opportunity to build confidence, develop employability and communication skills, and gain hands-on experience in a supportive working environment.
A special thank you was given to everyone who helped bring the project to life, particularly Alison Watson, Adam Hindhaugh, and Cath Mannion for their commitment and support throughout the journey.
Thanks were also extended to the many organisations and individuals who generously donated equipment, materials, expertise, and time to support the venture, including Ditton Community Centre, Halton Family Hubs, Public Health, Halton Housing, The Wonky Garden, Widnes in the Community (Tesco), Asda, TLW Contractors, GJ Flooring, Howdens, Halton Library, and local residents. A special thanks goes to Rachael Willis and Paula Burke from Cavendish Connect Café, the project could not have happened without their expertise and experience.
Cath Mannion, Programme Area Leader for Foundation Studies and Manager of The Catering Cup Café, said:
“Together, we’re creating meaningful opportunities for our students and our community. I can’t thank enough the many businesses and individuals who have donated to help make this project become a reality.
“Your support has helped create a valuable and inclusive opportunity for our Foundation students to develop key life, employability and communication skills in a real working environment. It’s been fantastic to see our students’ confidence grow, and we’re excited to see what they will achieve through this experience. We can’t wait to welcome everyone.”
The café will reopen fully when students return in September and will be open during term time on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 11.30am.
