School House café
A fresh hope project.School House Café is a community-first café in Cheltenham, open for all the community both near and far. It has been designed for everyone – bring your bike, your laptop, your buggy, your friends or just yourself! With affordable prices, a family playroom and a large open space for events, we are a café for everyone, open to anyone.
OUR FAMILY playroom
As a community café we believe it's important to have a space which works for everyone in the community, which is why we have a family playroom alongside our main café seating areas. This space is open to anyone and offers four large comfortable sofas, kids size table and chairs, and a huge range of toys and books for all ages to use! So come and enjoy your food, drink and chats in the comfort of our lovely family playroom space.
Our Purpose
building a community-first space
Our Vision
To discover and meet the needs of the St. Paul's community
Winner of #businessforchange
awarded at the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) awards
What do others say...
'The Rock has regularly used School House Cafe for gatherings of local youth workers. There is always a great welcome, with staff keen to accommodate our needs. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, putting everyone at ease. We have found that having meetings in the space, with other projects going on in the background (eg: bike workshop, mural consultation) earths our meetings with everyday realities. It's always great to feel connected with something wider. The cake is amazing too!'
The Rock, Autism Drop-in Group
MEET our team
Our team at School House Café are friendly, approachable and down to earth. We are all keen to help provide a community-first café space, that offers something for everyone. Our team are always happy to help answer your questions and queries – whether that's speaking with us in the café, or by contacting us online. To get in touch, use the contact information below:
JUDE
community manager
As our community manager, Jude will help you to use the café space as you need. The café has space for booking a table for a small gathering, to using our large open space for your group. Get in touch with Jude!
jude@freshhope.co
Natalie
food manager
As our food manager of the café, Natalie is able to help you meet your catering needs and dietery requirements. She is our menu creator and is always open to suggestions regarding our food and drink offerings!
hello@schoolhousecafe.co.uk
our History
The School House Café is within a small lobby area and the old school hall of the old St. Paul’s School, which was opened in 1848 by the vicar of St. Paul’s, Henry Bromby and Francis Close, the Rector of Cheltenham. The two clergymen saw the need for education in the community and raised the money for the school from local people.
The school shut in 1980 and was used by St. Paul’s Church as a centre for church activities. In 2013, the government decided that the site should be used for the community and church of St. Paul’s and a new charity was formed. Opening in 2014, the café has become a space within the community that is inclusive; bring people together and making everyone feel welcome.
