The cafe at Westport Lake is reopening on 22 March with community events, social clubs and even a soft play planned for the venue. 

Joanne Upton, Corinne Mannion and Amy Mansfield all work in care and were originally looking for a building to offer better facilities for adults with learning difficulties. 

But after seeing the Westport Lake Cafe had become available, they signed a 10-year lease and set themselves a tight deadline to get the cafe open. 

The cafe will serve a variety of food and drink and the trio say they want the venue to be a community space which is inclusive to everyone.

Amy said: "We just wanted somewhere to run a social club for adults with learning difficulties and we were looking for a venue and Corinne noticed Westport Lake Cafe had come up. 

"Lots of our service users use these types of places and we just wanted somewhere better, something nicer and to achieve something ourselves which can be fully inclusive. 

"The reaction has been really positive online and we definitely feel like we have the backing of the people."

Westport Lake Cafe had been run by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust for 15 years until it moved out in autumn 2024. 

Joanne owns Care Homes Stoke with Amy and Corrine managing, and now the office of the care side of the business will also be based at the Westport Lake building. 

The cafe overlooks Westport Lake. (Nub News)

The three women have been cleaning and preparing the building since they received the keys six weeks ago, and they have big plans for community events, social activities and even a soft play. 

Joanne said: "We're so excited to open the doors. Corinne and Amy are the backbone of this operation and without them, this wouldn't be happening. 

"We've had access to the building from just after Christmas but we weren't allowed to do anything, aside from measuring up, and we received the keys to the building five weeks ago so it's been a quick turn around."

Corinne said: "I've always come to Westport Lake as I don't live far away but I never realised just how popular this place was. 

"We've also met a lot of people already as they knock on the door asking how it's coming along and to see when we open."

The cafe will serve waffles with Snugbury's ice cream among other favourites. (Supplied)

Three times a week the venue will offer support sessions for adults with learning difficulties but anyone can visit the cafe. 

The three women also plan to operate from the downstairs hatch offering food and drink to passing parkgoers. 

Joanne added: "We were motivated anyway to get this open but the reaction has given us that real buzz. 

"We want a real community feel to this. There are going to be lots of opportunities to come and socialise, clubs and groups. 

"We've already been approached by different groups, walking groups, fitness groups, craft groups who would like to use this space." 

Find out more about the official opening day here.

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