Community Café  The Laydens is a bright and cheerful Community Café which in normal times seats 30 people. At the front there are two picnic benches for eating outside on sunny days. It is accessible for people with disabilities. The Hygiene rating is 4.

Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday (other than Bank Holidays). We offer home-cooked quality breakfasts and lunches as well as snacks and non-alcoholic drinks at very reasonable prices. Service is known for its friendliness ….. and the delicious meals! Free wi-fi is available. Nearly 100 customer visits a week were made before the pandemic crisis.

Prices are very reasonable. Popular choices are

£4.50: Small Breakfast of 2xbacon, egg, sausage, potato cubes, beans or tomatoes, bread or toast with a free drink (there are vegetarian options)

£3.80: Jacket Potatoes with a choice of fillings including tuna or cheese

£3 for Children’s meals with 3 choices. 

There are a variety of hot and cold drinks, as well as sandwiches

Volunteers: The Community Café is mainly run by volunteers, alongside the Manager, Sally Fisher.

Premises: As part of the premises there is an Office for admin, a disabled toilet, and of course the well-equipped hygienic kitchen. The building was once used by the WRVS. We have been particularly grateful for grants and support from Felixstowe Town Council, East Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council.

Bookings: There are popular craft mornings held fortnightly on a Tuesday. There have also been Sign Language and Spanish Conversation classes which will be starting up again. ABLE Felixstowe is the trading name of the Community Interest Company – A Brighter Life for Everyone – which we all know as The Laydens. The centre is being used more and more by the community for birthday parties, personal events and small gatherings. The Management Committee consists of Jan Garfield, Margaret Morris (Chair), Michael Sharman and Wendy Smith.