A few weeks back I invited a friend for a catch-up meeting in my local community café in Cluny Square, very near to where I live. To our disappointment we found the café was closed.

Upon later enquiry, I discovered this had been for a while but the good news was that it will soon be re-opened with a new manager and a fresh look. Rewinding the clock some 15 years ago, members of the local community, including me, came up with and pushed the idea of reclaiming the café for community use and thanks to the joint efforts of various members of the community (check out the 2013 Echo article: “This cafe has given our community a good name” for some background information concerning the history of the cafe) that is what happened. The café was officially opened in 2010 (see pictures above and below taken from the Echo article and its not in current use Facebook page).  

When I discovered it had been re-opened I decided I had to call in for an English fry up. It had been a while since I had been inside but I should add that back in the day I was a regular visitor, including for community events that the café hosted and recall memorable meetings held there. I met the new Rose (who was the cherished original manager) now Cally who manages the café with volunteer help. I enjoyed my excellent value English breakfast in pleasant surroundings and look forward to more visits to come. The café has been an important community centre and has played a part in the regeneration of the Cluny area. I look forward to this being so again.