By Will Munton
Every Thursday morning, Swinnow Community Centre comes alive with the smell of bacon, the sound of classic tunes, and the warmth of community.
By 9am, volunteers arrive to set up tables, put on music, and get everything ready for another busy café day.
At 9.30am, the doors open. Thick-cut bacon and high-quality sausages go into the oven, prepared by a trained kitchen team who all hold Level 2 Food Hygiene certificates – training provided by the centre itself. Filter coffee is poured, and guests enjoy free hot drinks, part of the centre’s effort to make the café welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
Before serving begins, volunteers gather for a short team meeting. It’s a moment to encourage each other, go over food safety reminders, and assign roles. Together they create a friendly, relaxed space where local people can chat, eat, and feel at home.
Homemade cakes are displayed at bargain prices, alongside a full breakfast and lunch menu. The Swinnow Breakfast—two thick bacon rashers, two premium sausages, a free-range egg, tomatoes, mushrooms, beans, and toast for just £5—has quickly become a local favourite.
Volunteer Kacy said: “The café helps me get out of the house, builds my confidence, and lifts my depression. It’s had a huge impact on my life. I love the people, the customers – it’s a kind space for all.”
The café runs every Thursday from 9.30am to 1pm, with employment support available on the last Thursday of each month in partnership with Leeds City Council.
Swinnow Community Centre is more than a café, it’s a hub for all ages. As part of its community cohesion work, the centre also runs:
Weekly and Monthly Activities
- Stay + Play (Tuesdays, 9:00–10:30am): A group for children aged 0–5 to explore through messy play, crafts, and stories. Snacks are provided, giving parents and carers time to relax.
- The Pantry (Tuesdays, 12:00–2:00pm): A community store offering around £20 worth of food for £6, in partnership with Pudsey Community Project. Includes an optional savings account to help with money management.
- The Den (Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30pm): A youth club for school years 3–6 with games, crafts, music, and a tuck shop. Staff and volunteers offer a safe place for fun and conversation.
- Prize Bingo (Wednesdays, 10:30am–12:00pm): Eight games for £5, with refreshments and prizes. Adults only.
- Lego + Games Club (Thursdays, 3:30–5:00pm): A creative after-school session for KS1 children (and siblings) featuring themed Lego builds and family games.
- The Café (Thursdays, 9:30am–1:00pm): Affordable breakfasts and lunches, free drinks, and a welcoming space for all ages.
Additional Activities
The centre also hosts line dancing, the Invisible Pain Theatre Company, Hazel Ball School of Dance, private party hire, catering services, and seasonal community events such as Halloween and Christmas parties.
Swinnow Community Centre continues to grow as a place where people connect, support one another, and feel valued.
For more information, email: swinnowcommunitycentrecic@gmail.com.
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