New café brings fresh offering to village community centre

A new café has opened at Seend Community Centre, providing a social space for residents, visitors and community groups to enjoy a range of refreshments.

Rusty’s Café Lounge Bar is the latest addition to the centre’s facilities, offering indoor and outdoor seating, a garden and bar service.

“The cafe developed from a desire to improve and extend what we could offer to our members, the village in general, those attending the many classes, sports and other activities at the Centre and the wider community,” said Tom, the Centre Manager.

“Community social clubs may well have declined in recent years, but not in Seend. Seend Centre is leading the way and staying relevant to the community with the launch of the café.

“Seend is well served by public houses and the village post office café, but it had been noted that provision for coffee and light lunches or snacks in the afternoon and at weekends was limited. With so much activity along the nearby Kennet & Avon Canal and adjacent sports fields, we looked at how we could also welcome these people.”

Rusty’s Café Lounge Bar serves refreshments, including light lunches, coffee and cakes, and also offers a bar. The café is open on Wednesdays from 7pm (bar only), Thursdays and Fridays from 12pm, and from 10.30am on Saturdays and Sundays.

“We are dog friendly,” added Tom. “There are plenty of parking spaces at the front and a sunny patio and large garden with wonderful views and space for children to play. There are also board games to keep everyone occupied during wetter days.

“Seend Centre also boasts a 200-capacity hall, hosts high-profile events throughout the year, and can be hired for public and private events at reasonable rates.”

Recent events have included Don’t Stop Queen Now (featuring Micky Callisto from Britain’s Got Talent), children’s theatre, a handfasting reception and the Seend Beer Festival.

Pictured: Board games and hot chocolate are on the menu