A day in the life of a cafe manageress

Day in Life pic - Carol Walker, manager of Cafe Inspirations at Lisburn City Church. US1425-531cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

The cafe was recently nominated for an Ni4kids Family Award. It opened 12 years ago just when Carol who attended the church was thinking of returning back to work and was delighted when she got offered a job.

Carol lives locally with her husband John and three children.

I work three full days but the opening hours are Monday - Friday 9.30 am - 3pm. I spend most of the morning doing the office work which includes book keeping and sorting out orders. I will then go onto the floor for 11am.

The team comprises of four staff an voluntary helpers from local charities such as Mencap and Stepping Stones.

The team work hard to make this a great space for mums and dads to relax while the kids have fun. There is a play area for pre- schoolers and facilitates a number of mother and toddler groups. The cafe is also a meeting place for various groups from our community, from local Book Clubs to Lisburn Parkinson’s group, people enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

It really is a wonderful place to relax, meet friends or a business colleague for lunch.

We have a wide selection of speciality coffees, teas and beverages. Customers can enjoy a quick snack or one of our tray bakes. Our lunch menu has a wide range of made to order hot and cold gourmet sandwiches, salads, burgers,soups and stews along with our reasonably priced kiddies menu.

All Café @ Inspirations teas and coffees are ethically sourced and supplied through Source2Resource.

If I’m not preparing food and tidying up I will be chatting to customers and speaking with our suppliers and trying to promote what we do including takeaway food. It is always busy and a great atmosphere and this makes it a joy to work in.

We also keep in store stock to deal with people who have food bank coupons when the food bank is shut. It is amazing the number of people locally who are in need of this facility.

We close at 3pm and I will place orders for the next day for items like milk, scones and tray bakes which come from local suppliers.

My job is a huge part of my life now and I thoroughly love it. To see people be uplifted when they come in to he a chat over a sandwich or a cuppa is lovely and to be able to pray with someone who needs some encouragement is just great.