Boot Sale

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See the Menu page for all the details.

We currently have two people on staff working towards NVQ qualifications. Lucy, our full time apprentice, is looking to complete an NVQ Level 2 in September and we’ve also been supporting DemiLee’s more college based approach with a day’s work placement at the cafe. We hope to help her complete her NVQ Level 1 in the next couple of weeks. One of the cafe’s directors, Natasha Pester, says “Its pretty ground breaking to be offering an NVQ level 2 to someone with learning disabilities but, with thanks to Riverside training for their support, we’re doing it! We hope to continue with offering apprenticeships as part of our commitment to employing and training young adults with learning disabilities.”

The combination of on and off the job learning, backing up theoretical, knowledge based work with practical, hands on training, is proving to be a particularly effective method. Learning through experience is vital and apprenticeships lets you practice your skills and build confidence, something that Lucy agrees with. “When I started the coffee machine was very scary and I was nervous about using the till and dealing with customers. Now I’m happy to take the drinks orders and make them, and I like talking with the customers. I know how to give the correct change and the local firemen said they’ll give me a ride in their fire engine!” The apprenticeship route allows people to earn as they learn and also uncovers skills they may not have known they already had – DemiLee, for example, has discovered a real talent and enthusiasm for making cakes.

At the end of the programme, they’ll have gained a nationally recognised qualification which they can use in the future, valuable work experience and an understanding of what a job is really like. We are committed to investing in the potential of each individual, developing people and providing them with challenging and rewarding careers. The apprenticeship scheme is a key part of our strategy and has many benefits for the cafe as a business too.

We don’t only get the satisfaction of seeing local young adults developing their employability skills and confidence; our apprentices are also a great asset to the business and bring with them a lot of commitment and energy. They are full of ideas and enthusiasm and have a real thirst for skills and knowledge. When they are hands on in the cafe they are the main support for the manager or supervisor on shift so they need to have a good eye for detail and quality in the kitchen as well as strong customer service skills. We also need them to show a good deal of flexibility and not just because we have a very small kitchen! There are a wide range of tasks to do in a busy cafe and in a small team, you need to be prepared to pitch in where you’re needed.

As with anything, apprenticeships don’t come without a cost. “There’s a lot of research and written work to do as well as working in the kitchen,” says Lucy “I really enjoy the practical learning but not so much the homework I have to do.” But overall, is she glad she did it? She gives me a big, beaming smile and nods vigorously. “Yes! I’m much more confident now.”

You can find out more about employing apprentices here: www.apprenticeships.org.uk

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Like all the best cafes, we aim to provide a service to the community which goes beyond coffee and cake…

• We welcome visits from groups, whether of cyclists, parents and toddlers, or business people having meetings (we have WiFi!). Just give us a call in advance if there are more than about eight of you, and we’ll make sure there’s enough cake.
• We have a book swap scheme – just drop in a book and pick one up, or enjoy a quiet hour or two reading on our sofa. There’s plenty on offer, and it’s changing all the time
• There are a variety of games and toys for young and old, so there’s no need for anyone to be bored…
• We can host evening meetings or events by appointment – just have a word with the manager, email manager@strawberrylinecafe.co.uk or call us on 01934 835 758
• We’ve got high chairs and baby changing facilities, so we’re a great venue for children (and they love watching the trains go by)
• We are always looking for help from new volunteers, whether it’s baking a cake, helping with the garden, or organising fundraising events. If you’re interested, call in and sign up, or email us at info@strawberrylinecafe.co.uk.
• We’re on Facebook, Twitter and many other sites such as Google Places, so please post your feedback, reviews and comments, and tell us if there’s anything we can do to make the cafe even better

Our current menu is here, but there are always specials and the odd surprise! We bake our own cakes, brownies and tarts, and are becoming well known for our carrot cake and chocolate nut brownies… For breakfast we have a veggie or free-range meat cooked breakfast, Sam’s amazing granola, porridge with almonds, brown sugar & sultanas, and croissants. Our seasonal lunch specials are on the blackboard (and usually on Facebook and Twitter too), and there are regular salads, delicious homemade soups, as well as hot paninis and freshly made sandwiches.

We use a range of suppliers and products, but we’ll give a particular mention to:

Free-range meat from Devon Rose
Bread, Croissants and treats from Yatton bakers Pullins
Free range eggs from Iwood Farm
Fresh fruit and veg from Nicky of Fresh & Fruity
Jams and chutneys from Mary’s Bakery
West country cheeses & milk
Freshly-ground Fairtrade organic coffee, and Fairtrade Clipper teas and Zuma hot chocolate

We hope there’ll always be  something on our menu which takes your fancy, but we’re always open to new ideas, so if you’ve got any suggestions, leave them on this page or drop us a note on Facebook or Twitter!