A popular student and community cafe has reopened its doors with a new plant-based menu and will act as a wellness hub post-pandemic.
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 but is now ready to come out of hibernation.
The re-opening of the Oxford Road café sees 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, one of the Directors of St. Peter’s House, is delighted to be opening its doors once again.
She said: “We are delighted to have re-opened Milk and Honey and happy to be welcoming our community back into the cafe. Ethically sourced, proper teas and coffee, amazing and planet-friendly food, and the familiar calm and friendly atmosphere are waiting. We are passionate about being a part of the vibrant café culture in Manchester but we’ve always been clear that we’re more than a cafe, we are also here to support the wellbeing of the university students and the wider community that we serve. We have a unique vision built on hope, imagination and there being enough for everyone.
“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. Hearing the buzz of people around us and being a hive of activity once more is fantastic. We have built a diverse calendar of events to reflect all sections of the community that enjoy the café – everything from pilates in Mandarin to gong-bath sound therapy.
“We want people to leave Milk and Honey with that warm feeling that they’ve just encountered something special – whether they’ve just dropped by for a delicious lunch made with upcycled ingredients from Fareshare, they’ve volunteered with us, or they’ve joined in with an event – we hope that paths will cross, ideas spark, and people leave knowing they’ve been part of something very good for our city.”
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 care and will also be trained in mental health first aid, which will support the wellbeing of all café visitors.
Ella Robinson, a University of Manchester student studying politics and sociology, said: “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.”
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.
Milk and Honey will be open from 8am to 3pm and is located at St Peter’s House, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9GH. Visit www.milkandhoneycafe.org to find out more about the calendar of activities, to book a space for your student society group or community group or follow @milkhoneymcr on Instagram.
