CHESTER’S Lord Mayor attended a new initiative at the city’s Waitrose store which hopes to bring together people in the community who are struggling with isolation.

The Mayor, Cllr Sheila Little, cut the ribbon to signal the launch of the Community Café programme in the city centre shop on Thursday, March 28.

The Community Café initiative has been rolled out across all John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose & Partners stores containing a hospitality space and are intended to allow those who may feel lonely or may live away from close friends or family, to meet and socialise.

The café locations offer a wide selection of hot drinks, cakes, pastries, and snacks and will also be making available board games, cards and puzzle books for visitors to use.

Chester and District Standard: Lord Mayor, Cllr Little, chats with Waitrose partners Lorna Boden and Carl Harris.Lord Mayor, Cllr Little, chats with Waitrose partners Lorna Boden and Carl Harris. (Image: MD)

Identifiable 'Chatty Tables' will indicate areas where someone who may arrive on their own will be warmly welcomed by our hosts and other guests. 

The Lord Mayor said that she had enjoyed talking to the Waitrose partners about their plans for the Community Café and wished them success in the venture.

Waitrose Customer Experience Manager Christian Burton said: “We are thrilled to offer a warm and welcoming space for our community to congregate and meet. More than just a cafe, we aim to be the heart of our amazing community in Chester and want everyone to know that along with essentials such as milk and bread, you will also find a welcoming smile and conversation at Waitrose & Partners Chester.”

The monthly event is advertised in branch and on Waitrose & Partners Chester social media channels including Instagram @waitrose_chester.

For further information on the Community Café please contact Waitrose & Partners Chester on 01244 342 900.