A cafe opened in the grounds of a Preston hospice has been proving popular.
AdvertisementThe Mill at St Catherine’s Hospice in Lostock Hall has served around 60,000 visitors since opening in November last year.
Running as a social enterprise the cafe and venue puts any profits made back into the care provided by the hospice.
An outside catering arm of The Mill has been growing too providing food for a number of events including the Royal Lancashire Show.
Nicola Hanmer, commercial catering manager at St Catherine’s Hospice and The Mill, said: “It has been an incredible first year at The Mill and we’d like to say a huge thank you to all our wonderful customers who have supported the new venture and helped get it off to a flying start.
“It is wonderful that not only have the wider community embraced what we are offering here, but that St Catherine’s patients and their families are finding it so beneficial too. We know that many people enjoy being able to come away from the main hospice and enjoy time together as a family in the café. It creates that all important feeling of normality, which families tell us means such a lot.”
The building has also been used for a number of exercise classes and workshops run by local organisations and charities.
Stephen Greenhalgh, chief executive of the hospice, said: “Opening The Mill last year started an exciting new chapter for St Catherine’s and we have been overwhelmed by the fabulous response from local people who have poured into our café and appreciated our other facilities.
“We warmly welcome visitors from near and far to become part of the inspiring St Catherine’s story, making a real difference to local lives at the most poignant times.
“Every cup of coffee sold helps friends and neighbours at times when it matters most.”
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TripAdvisor users have been singing the cafe’s praises too.
It is ranked 24th out of 470 restaurants in Preston and has a 4.5 star rating based on 43 reviews.
Have you visited The Mill? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below