30/10/2026
A new community pop-up café and pub are up and running in Warnford Village Hall! Supported by our grant scheme, the hall is creating new opportunities for residents to connect, build friendships, and become more involved in village life.
We spoke to Karen Cornelius from the village hall committee about the café and what the funding has helped to do.
Karen said: “We know how valuable the hall can be as a community hub – our village pub has been closed for a long time – and we wanted to bring some good feeling by bringing people together.
“The grant funding has just been such a changer for us, and for the hall, as it’s meant we can buy our own tablecloths for the trestle tables, and seat pads for the hard chairs, and it just makes the whole space feel so good. Seats weren’t comfy before, and we want to make sure the café is as welcoming as can be so people will stay longer; it’s made it much more like a bit of home.
“We were very nervous before the first café as we wondered if anyone was going to turn up, but it has been lovely. There was even a queue waiting outside before the last event opened. We’re just trying to work out what the best times are to run it at the moment. The cakes are made locally by the committee or donated, so it’s a real community effort.
“Warnford is a very warm and welcoming place, and we’re close to the South Downs Way, and we found that people have come from farther afield to enjoy a bit of connection. Everyone is welcome to come and join us for a cup or tea and some cake. We have lots of plans to keep up the momentum too."
Could a grant help your group / organisation? Two grant schemes are currently open for applications: https://www.wi******er.gov.uk/grants-for-not-for-profit-organisations
Wi******er City Council ******er
