A brand-new student-run café, The Catering Cup, officially opened at Ditton Community Centre and Family Hub on Thursday 21 May 2026, bringing together students, partners and the local community to celebrate supporting young people into work.
The opening included a ribbon cutting, speeches and a celebration cake. Guests included the Mayor of Halton, Councilor Pamela Wallace, and Alan Brown, Deputy Principal of Riverside College, who joined students and partners to mark the occasion.
The café is a partnership between Riverside College and Halton Borough Council, and serves a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks, cakes and pastries.
The Catering Cup has been created to support students with learning disabilities studying catering as part of Riverside College’s Foundation Studies – Pathway to Vocation course. Designed to build confidence, develop practical skills and prepare students for adult life, the café helps them move from classroom to café, taking their first steps into work.
This is the second café of its kind in Halton, building on the success of the Cavendish Connect Café at Brookvale Family Hub in Runcorn, where young people have already been gaining hands-on experience in hospitality, customer service and teamwork in a real-life setting.
The project provides inclusive, real-life experience that helps students grow in confidence, develop workplace skills, and progress towards employment.
The café is also a true community effort, with the council, Family Hub, local community and businesses all playing a role in bringing the space to life through their generous support.
Cllr Tom McInerney, the Council’s Executive Board Member for Children, Young People and Families, said:, said: “We’re really proud to host The Catering Cup here at Ditton. It’s been wonderful to see so many people and businesses come together to support this café, and we’d like to thank everyone who has donated their time, skills and resources to make it happen. From services across the council including Family Hubs, Public Health and Libraries to Halton Housing, The Wonky Garden, TLW Contractors, GJ Flooring, GSB Signs, Howdens, Parklands, Widnes in the Community, Tesco and Asda, and local residents – this opportunity simply wouldn’t have been possible without you.
“The café is not only a welcoming space for the community but also gives students the chance to gain real experience, build confidence and develop important life skills. Together, we’re creating opportunities – one cup of coffee at a time.”
Cath Mannion, Programme Area Leader, Foundation Studies at Riverside College, said: “The Catering Cup café is an exciting new addition at the heart of the Community Centre. Students have worked incredibly hard to develop new skills, showing fantastic dedication, teamwork, and professionalism, and now serving up a great cup of coffee too! I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved.
“It’s been amazing to see the support from the community and local businesses, with everyone coming together and cheering the café on. The café has helped students grow in confidence, learn real workplace skills, and feel a true sense of belonging – while creating a friendly, welcoming space full of positivity.
“A big thank you to Halton Family Hubs for helping bring everything together, and to Alison Watson from Ditton Community Centre for her incredible support – this has truly been a team effort. “
Loughlin, Student at Riverside College, said: “I have really enjoyed setting up the café as part of The Catering Cup project. I have learned about food safety, hygiene, allergens and the importance of proper serving quantities. I have also developed my communication skills and practiced designing logos. I am excited to continue trying new things, meeting new people and been involved in the community. “
Josh, Student at Riverside College, said: “It is giving me real life experience in the café; we have been shopping to get equipment and supplies for The Catering Cup to make sure everything looks professional. We have also learnt about the different food allergens, food hygiene and safety like checking the fridge temperatures each week. We have gained new skills setting up the café communicating, listening to the customer, problem solving and teamwork.”
From September 2026, the café will open to the public twice a week, on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings during term time, giving more opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience while welcoming the community in.
The project reflects the Halton Family Hubs ‘Together for All in Halton’ approach, creating opportunities that are accessible, inclusive and rooted in community support.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to come along, support the students, and enjoy what’s on offer.
