Huddle, a happy place in the heart of Falmouth
If you want to experience the heart of Transforming Mission, the energising plan for Christian community in Falmouth, then walk into Huddle, the café that opened last November in the middle of Falmouth.
Nestling beneath the large church (KCM) on the corner of Arwenack and Church Street, it has the look of most other well-run, stylish cafes in Falmouth, but the feel of home. From the warm welcome to the great coffee (and this from a true coffee snob), the cakes too delicious to ever utter the word diet anywhere near and the growing collection of local artists’ work on the walls, Huddle is a cosy sanctuary in a busy student and tourist filled town.
Bianca, who runs Huddle, is that perfect blend of cheerful calm and hawk-eyed efficiency. Because she notices everyone who walks in, even when talking to familiar customers who have become friends, she makes sure that everyone feels welcome and valued with kindness and attentive service.
A God-filled place that everyone will feel, but not necessarily know why
“I have a great team,” says Bianca. “Marta is a fabulous baker, Katie is incredibly creative and together they lead a team of three other student-employees, Hannah, Jessie and Debs, all of whom are helping to fulfil the vision we have for Huddle.”
That vision is to be a God-filled place that everyone will feel, but not necessarily know why. People of all ages come and use the space, from knit and natter craft groups, to mothers searching a safe-haven to chat with friends while their young children play with the toys, to tourists seeking a little cool (in all this amazing summer weather) to students, bloggers and others making full use of the free wifi.
Events and outreach
With the foundations of the café on firm footing, Bianca is working on growing the community and outreach potential of Huddle. “We would love it if all the churches in and around Falmouth had us in their sights. We want to be that local destination where you can bring your friends, of faith or no faith, and everyone can genuinely feel they have a place at the table.”
One of the many creative workshops at Huddle
“We have a programme of events, activities and groups lined up from a regular bereavement café for all ages (as death doesn’t just touch the elderly) to lino-print, pottery workshops and jazz evenings.”
Huddle also doubles up as a place to worship, hosting ‘Kingdom Come Nights”, early morning worship and, very soon, a new congregation led by the newly appointed Pioneer Minister.
Bianca is also working on a curating a beautiful collection of cards and inspiring reading. Nurturing and celebratory, books like Cultivate, the process of living from your heart, are exactly what you might want to pick up on a day when life gets tough and a gentle refresh or re-boot is required.
Top Deck, Huddle’s fabulous new outdoor space
New for the summer is Top Deck, an outdoor space for Huddle customers and another way to bless customers. With great views, the deck is day dream perfect and sun-soaking splendid – so long as you have sunscreen on of course!
If you haven’t discovered Huddle yet, please go along and say hello. Better still, find yourself a seat on one of their squashy sofas or out on the new Top Deck, grab an expertly made coffee, slice of amazing cake and be take some time to be kind to yourself.
For more updates, have a look at the Huddle website.
