Our guest reviewer Charlotte and her Mini Mumbler recently went along to try the newly launched Café 21 Co. in Headingley. Find out what they thought here…
After a successful pop-up café at Carousel last year, Sunshine & Smiles have launched a slightly more permanent establishment, called Café 21 Co. in Headingley, offering work experience and training opportunities for young adults in Leeds who have Down Syndrome. It intends to work as a café, gallery and shop for a minimum of 6 months, with the potential to extend if successful.
I was keen to visit and do my part to help support all involved in making Café 21 Co. possible. In only its second week running, it felt very well put together; the overall décor and ambience of the place is clean and fresh, and very welcoming. From the moment I stepped through the door I was immediately impressed.
The ethos of the charity is apparent through the plaques on the walls. Whilst not intrusive, they speak volumes to really pin point the principles behind the café. From ‘I wouldn’t change you for the World, but I wish I could change the World for you’ to ‘Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.’
The café is set out with the Gallery and shop predominantly at the front, selling an array of products such as greetings cards, ceramics, artworks, jewellery, soaps, and the latest Sunshine & Smiles Calendar. The seating is in the centre, providing bistro tables as well as some comfy seating and the counter is to the rear.
Adjacent to the seating area is another area specifically designed for young children, filled with books, toys, cushions and a chalkboard; which proved extremely popular with my mini Mumbler. This designated area is a fantastic concept allowing young families to visit the café without too much upset to other patrons.
After perusing the menu and deliberating between all the mouth-watering home-made treats, I finally ordered at the counter. The team were extremely welcoming, and full of smiles. With so much to look at, buy and eat, we happily found ourselves tucked away in the café for a good couple of hours. And what started as a tea and toast to begin the day, ended up with a full morning of munching, puzzling, chalking, and shopping.
So, if you want to do your bit to help raise funds and show support for Sunshine & Smiles creating job opportunities for young adults with Down Syndrome, head down to Café 21 Co. and simply enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and slice of cake. It really will make their day, and yours!
The Cafe is open: Thursday 8.30am-3pm; Friday 8.30am-5pm; Saturday 9am-5pm; Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm.
To get in touch, contact 21 Co. on 07725 041601 or email hello@sunshineandsmiles.org.uk or for more information visit their Website or Facebook page.
21 Co. Headingley Central, Otley Road, LS6 2UE
*Mumbler was not paid for this review. All of the comments in this review are our open and honest opinion.