Student and community cafe to reopen as safe social space with plant-based menu

A popular student and community cafe is set to reopen its doors with a plant-based menu and has a new service on the menu, providing a safe social space for care-experienced people.

Milk and Honey, which is part of the University of Manchester’s chaplaincy St Peter’s House, was forced to shut its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic like so many other hospitality services – but is now ready to come out of hibernation and set for the buzz of the student community.

The re-opening of the Oxford Road café on Monday 11th October will see a new, affordable plant-based menu and a diverse calendar of events run by chefs, psychotherapists, yoga instructors and chaplains to support the wellbeing and inclusivity of new and existing students and the wider community in a comfortable, safe and welcoming environment.

Hannah Skinner, manager of the cafe, is delighted to be opening its doors once again.

“At Milk and Honey you get proper coffee, a good brew, good grub and good vibes – we are passionate about being a part of the vibrant café culture in Manchester,” she said.

“But importantly we are also here to support the wellbeing of the university students and the wider community that we serve.

 

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“It has been a tough time for everyone, and we want to be able to try and bring a slice of normality back, especially to the student community – who have been hit hard by the pandemic.

“We can’t wait for the buzz of people around us and being a hive of activity once more.

“We pride ourselves on our diverse calendar of events to reflect all sections of the community that enjoy the café.

“We want people to leave Milk and Honey feeling full – whether that is with a hearty bowl of soup or a lemon drizzle cake and a coffee or after enjoying a yoga session.”

Milk and Honey has also partnered with the Rees Foundation to coincide with the reopening to offer a safe social space for care experienced people so they can meet peers or others for support and information.

The collaboration means the café team is trained in issues impacting those in and will also be trained in mental health first aid – which will support the wellbeing of all café visitors.

“Milk and Honey has created a space on campus where I can feel relaxed and safe while meeting others, catching up on university work and enjoying the positive atmosphere,” said Ella Robinson, a University of Manchester student studying politics and sociology.

While the doors were closed during the pandemic Milk and Honey, as part of St Peter’s House, continued to support students with wellness packages including ready-made meals, meal kits, groceries and holistic support.

And this August they have provided more than 3,000 meals to local school children as part of the government’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme. 

Milk and Honey will be open from 8am to 3pm from Monday 11th October, and is located at St Peter’s House, Oxford Road, M13 9GH.