Warwick community book cafe named in the Top 10 cafés and restaurants in the town

The Evergreen Community Book Cafe, which is part of Evergreen School, was recently awarded a certificate from Restaurant Guru for the ranking.

This recognition is a significant achievement for the cafe and a moment of pride for the young people who help run it.

The cafe, which is located at the school’s Brittain Lane site, plays a vital role in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities to develop independence, confidence and real‑world skills.

Nationally, employment rates for people with learning disabilities remain significantly lower than for the wider disabled population. This means many young people miss out on the opportunity to aspire to a career, experience the benefits of work, and gain greater independence.

According to the school, the cafe directly addresses this challenge by offering structured, in‑house work experience in a safe and supportive environment.

The cafe provides pupils with hands‑on experience in a professional setting, and enables young people to build practical skills, develop communication and social interaction, and gain confidence in their own abilities.

Just as importantly, the cafe creates opportunities for the wider community to engage with the pupils, helping to break down barriers.

Talking about the award and the young people, Gerada Berger-Byrne, cafe manager and job coach at Evergreen School, said: “This award is a real testament to the professionalism, commitment and skill our young people bring to the cafe every day.

“They play a vital role in delivering a welcoming, high‑quality service, and their contribution is what makes the café such a success.

“We are proud of what they achieve, not just in developing skills, but in the genuine value they add to their community and the recognition from Restaurant Guru placing us as one of the Top 10 Cafés and Restaurants in Warwick means a great deal to us all.”

John Coleman, executive director for children and young people at Warwickshire County Council, added: “The Evergreen Community Book Café is a fantastic example of inclusive practice in action, demonstrating what can be achieved when young people are supported through meaningful opportunities in their local community.”

“Warwickshire County Council is extremely proud of Evergreen School and its students for this well‑deserved recognition.”

The cafe is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9.30am to 2pm. To find out more: https://www.facebook.com/EvergreenSchoolCafe/