The Courtyard Cafe, a partnership between Flourish House & Queens Cross Housing Association, provided a Community Cafe & training/employment opportunities for Flourish members. By the time lockdown came the cafe had also moved into event catering and was on target to make a modest profit. When trading became impossible the cafe’s future was secured by repurposing the cafe & addressing food insecurity in the local community; the Courtyard Pantry. Opening in March 2021 the Pantry provides the community with good quality food & a place to meet. For just £1 membership & £2.50 per shop you can get between 10-15 items of food and household items. With over 1000 members a waiting list is operating as demand is outstripping supply.
As restrictions lifted the Courtyard Pantry successfully restarted providing the cafe side of the business; food, drinks & community event catering making a welcome return. Throughout, Queens Cross Housing Association have been wonderful partners providing not only the premises but support & funding for several local community food initiatives throughout lockdown to present day. Further to this they are in the process of developing a second cafe which will provide more affordable food & drink to the Community as required.
The Courtyard Cafe is now an independent organisation from Flourish and we wish them all the best. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/courtyardpantry/