The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Erica Kemp joined representatives from a range of businesses on Monday 8th September to help celebrate the launch of the new Quaker Meeting House in Liverpool One.

Quakers are a global network of people who believe that “there is God in everyone”. Their faith is translated into action by working locally and globally for social justice, in their support of peacemakers, and in their care for the environment.

Liverpool Quakers have a long history in Merseyside, dating all the way back to the 1600s. In this exciting new venture, Liverpool Quakers team up with Blackburne House Cafe Bar to introduce the first social enterprise café in the heart of Liverpool One.

With a distinctly different offer to its neighbours, the Quaker Meeting House not only brings a new concept to Liverpool’s premier shopping district but a whole new dining experience based on a clean and healthy lifestyle.

Clare Dove OBE, chief executive at Blackburne House says:

“Blackburne House have run a successful café and restaurant at our premises on Hope Street for a number of years, and Quakers’ approached us to help them with this new venture.

“It made perfect sense to us to work with Quakers on this project, our values are at one and to provide a quiet and holistic haven in the middle of Liverpool One was an opportunity we simply couldn’t turn down.

“Our remit was to help develop a menu that would provide something new for this area of the city, promoting clean, healthy living; and our hearty vegetarian and completely alcohol-free menu does just that. What’s more, every time you put a cake to your lips you are fuelling our joint mission to promote peace and empower women.

“We have worked hard to develop a menu that is a tasty and flavourful as it is wholesome, and offer a distinctive dining experience in a unique environment. We hope that customers in Liverpool are ready for something new and different.”

Lisa Hoyle of Liverpool Quakers added:

“The café is part of a broader plan for Liverpool Quakers, which is about community and spiritual enrichment. Our other services include meeting rooms, a food bank and book exchange; but the café here is the jewel in the crown.

“We’re delighted to be working with Blackburne House on this project as it was important to us that this partnership reflected our beliefs. All of the food on offer here is fresh, seasonal and locally sourced, our staff are paid a living wage and all the money we make will support our causes – promoting peace and empowering women through education.”

Lord Mayor Cllr Erica Kemp said:

“It’s fantastic to be a part of this exciting new social enterprise. Healthy living is an ever increasing part of a national agenda for social change, and is so important to ensuring the wellbeing of our younger generations.

“Obesity is a growing concern in the UK generally, but is something that particularly affects Liverpool, with one in three people reported as overweight. I think it’s great to see ventures such as this promoting healthy eating in a holistic environment.

“The sense of warmth and community at The Quaker Meeting House is evident as soon as you walk through the door. The food on offer here this afternoon has been outstanding and that every penny spent here is circulated back into the local community is fantastic.”

“I look forward to visiting again soon with the chain off!”

All profits raised from The Quaker Meeting House will go towards supporting worth causes across Merseyside. Opening hours are 9.00am till 3.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am till 5.00pm on Saturdays.

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