The Townhouse and Soul Kitchen Celebrate the First Step in a Life-Changing Hospitality Project

On Friday 23rd May, The Townhouse Chester and Soul Kitchen Chester came together to mark the very first milestone in a bold new initiative – the launch of The Sunset Café, a community-focused café offering real-world hospitality experience to people rebuilding their lives.

This intimate event brought supporters, collaborators, and members of the local community together for a meaningful afternoon that blended purpose with positivity.

The one-hour pre-launch marked the first shift for the Sunset Café’s very first cohort, four individuals stepping into the world of hospitality with the support of a passionate team.

Each new team member was paired with a professional from The Townhouse, creating a nurturing and practical environment from the outset.
Two worked alongside the head chef, Dilwyn, in the kitchen, while the others began front-of-house training, clearing away breakfast, resetting the space, and preparing for their first guests.

As attendees arrived, they were greeted with drinks including tea, coffee, or a celebratory glass of Bucks Fizz, all served by the new team members.
One participant made their way around the room offering tasters from the brand-new café menu, including mini jacket potatoes (with either cheese, tuna, and chilli), sausage rolls, chicken goujons, and freshly prepared sandwiches, items that will soon be available to the public for affordable prices.

Beyond the food and service, it was the atmosphere of connection and potential that made the afternoon so memorable.

Guests heard from Steven Hesketh, owner of The Townhouse Chester, who shared his deep-rooted belief in the power of hospitality to change lives:

“What I’ve seen from the guys… they’re absolutely fantastic. There’s no reason why hospitality venues can’t be finding jobs for them—without a shadow of a doubt."

Steven also spoke about his and The Townhouse’s ongoing work being done to connect students and underserved communities with opportunities in the sector, emphasising hospitality’s role as a gateway to confidence, connection, and careers.

Helen Anthony, Chair of Soul Kitchen Chester, echoed this message of hope and progress, highlighting how this new café offers more than just training, it offers structure, belonging, and the chance to feel valued again. She called it “the next step” in the charity’s mission to walk alongside those facing hardship and help them take steps forward.

The Sunset Café is the product of a heartfelt collaboration between Soul Kitchen Chester, a volunteer-run charity working with individuals experiencing homelessness and food poverty, and The Townhouse Chester, a local hospitality business known for its warm welcome and community spirit. Together, they’ve created a space that not only serves good food but also serves the future.

From Friday 30th May, the Sunset Café will be open to the public every Friday from 11:00am to 3:00pm at The Townhouse Chester.

Whether you're stopping by for a jacket potato, a coffee, or just to show your support, every visit to the Sunset Café plays a part in someone’s journey forward.