Merrick cafe wins coveted award

Dec 4 2009 by Kenny Barr, Dumfries Standard Friday

A CAFE run by adults with learning disabilities has been awarded four stars for catering and service by VisitScotland.

Merrick Café, a popular and busy facility within Newton Stewart’s Merrick Leisure Centre, was described by inspectors as “a truly excellent feature with very good range of high quality produce”.

The cafe is a partnership project between Dumfries and Galloway Council’s social work services and leisure and sport, and training is provided through Dumfries and Galloway College.

Using the Activity and Resource Centre (ARC) as the training and catering base, the café is based on the principles of healthy eating, home cooking, and healthy lifestyles with 13 ARC service users involved. The project has recently expanded to include a sandwich delivery service.

Beth Bleasdale, manager of the Activity and Resource Centre, said: “This is wonderful recognition for the whole café team and all those who support them in their learning and development, and we are grateful to our organisational partners for their ongoing support and commitment.”