Barn Café opens at Swarthmoor

The Barn Café at Swarthmoor Hall has officially opened

The Barn Café at Swarthmoor Hall in Cumbria is now open to the public as a place of hospitality and outreach.

The café officially opened in early July when volunteers, local Friends, the mayor of Ulverston and the local business community came together to celebrate the completion of the project.

An onsite café has been a long-term aim for manager Jane Pearson and a substantial donation of £20,000 from the local community has enabled it to become a reality. Two open days were held that attracted over 100 visitors. Thirty people joined Meeting for Worship in the Old Hall and also had an opportunity to view the seven re-furbished bedrooms, living and kitchen areas.

Val Brittin, a director on the Hospitality Board, explained that local tradesmen, using sustainable materials, had done all the work. She said: ‘Visitors commented that the overall effect really reflected what the Hall has meant from the time Margaret Fell and George Fox lived there, which is a place of hospitality, spiritual nurture and quiet beauty…

‘August is a very busy month at the Hall with full room bookings, including a 1652 Pilgrimage week. There is a full programme of Quaker courses over the coming year as well as other events, some linked to the many festivals held in the town. Visitor numbers to the Hall can only be enhanced by the addition of the Barn café and Friends are encouraged to visit and enjoy this wonderful place of Quaker heritage,’ she added.

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