The Mayor of North East Lincolnshire has officially re-opened the new-look Grimsby Minster Cafe following a year of closure.
St James’ Square has recently undergone refurbishment, and the new public space adorned with installations depicting Grimsby’s fishing heritage and local stories is also proving popular with locals.
A grand re-opening took place of the Minster cafe on Friday 9 July. Bishop Nigel Peyton opened the proceedings with the civic party who announced the official opening of Grimsby Minster Café, followed by a peel of minster bells. Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Councillor Philip Jackson, and Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor David Hasthorpe and Mayoress Sandra Hasthorpe were in attendance.
“Grimsby Minster is becoming a thriving place to be, with a rich arts, culture and heritage offer,” Cllr Hasthorpe.
“It’s hoped the cafe will bring people together to look inside the Minster, enjoy the new-look cafe and look at the new Square. It’s a place to be proud of.
“The aim is to praise the regeneration of the area and look to a positive future with the cultural and regeneration work that is going on in the town.”
During his speech at the re-opening, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Councillor Philip Jackson, said: “This is a fantastic new cafe. I’m sure it will be a real contribution to the town centre as we transform it.
“This is such an iconic building in the town centre. It has always played a major part in the town centre and will continue to do so.”
He added: “I look forward to the Minster and cafe playing an important part in the town as it has done for many years.”
Grimsby Minster is an integral part of the Heritage Trail, which runs from Wellowgate, through Victoria Street, Abbeygate, over the new Garth Lane bridge and across to the Kasbah on the Docks.
The re-opening of the cafe comes just weeks after the new-look St James’ Square was unveiled.
The new cafe will welcome residents, local community groups and visitors and have outdoor seating available to enjoy alfresco refreshments at top town.
Grimsby Minster Cafe will serve food and drinks sourced from local suppliers. The menu will feature a range of Lincolnshire produce, and the new cultural setting is perfect for lunch or a coffee stop.
The cafe also has a strong focus on being environmentally friendly. All disposal items are biodegradable, and you can even buy your own reusable takeaway coffee cup to enjoy regular refills. All the furniture has been upcycled and there is ambition to have a games and book recycling corner.
The Minster has also been undergoing serious works to the roof, plasterwork, replaced a missing pinocle, a new boiler and restored the flagpole, all made possible by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and COVID Recovery Fund.
The new cafe space will be the perfect backdrop for a series of cultural events and private hires, bringing vibrancy into the area.
Covid Recovery Consultant Emma Olivier-Townrow said: “We are really excited to welcome visitors from Grimsby, Greater Lincolnshire and beyond to enjoy the new cultural offering and cafe space.
“The space has been designed to be inclusive, inspiring and a place where friends of the Minster, whether new or old, can find solace as we emerge out of the pandemic.
“The team are currently developing a vibrant range of programmes that hope to launch later in the year, that supports local artists and creative enterprises. We have a fantastic space and opportunity for artworks to be displayed in the minster.
“Grimsby Minster really is a place for everyone.”
As part of this project, the Minster is looking for volunteers for a host of roles within the venue and in the cafe. Registration to become a volunteer is now open.
There are a host of opportunities to volunteer in both large and small ways. Positions are available for volunteer tour guides, welcome staff, and heritage helpers to assist with the general day to day running and maintenance of the Grade II listed church.
From Saturday 10 July, the Grimsby Minster Cafe will be open from 9.30am until 2.30pm, and then regularly at those times five days a week, each Tuesday to Saturday.
To book your interest in volunteer roles, contact [email protected] or call (01472) 277277.
Services will continue and weddings, funerals, blessings, and hire of the Minster can be booked via [email protected] or call (01427) 277277.
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