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 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, Councillor Pamela Wallace, and Alan Brown, Deputy Principal of Riverside College.

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 to develop practical skills and prepare for 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.

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Cllr Tom McInerney, the Council’s Executive Board Member for Children, Young People and Families, 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.”

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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 practised 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.

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