Michael Caines MBE, opened the EX4 cafe in April, cutting the ribbon at the well-attended event and celebrating the first customers with the Salvation Army band playing.
“This cafe is very important to our community. Alongside the work that the cafe is doing, it's giving space for the stories from the people of our community. It's lovely to be here as an Exolian - somebody who grew up in Exeter - and being able to support EX4 and the hard work you do." Michael Caines MBE said before cutting celebratory ribbon.
EX4 - a cafe of humble beginnings - originally started in BCHA’s Gabriel House in Exeter, a high-level support service for those facing homelessness. The three founders, Dan, Nathan and Rebecca organised toastie coffee mornings for fellow residents, before realising their passions for good food and good conversations.
The trio sought to turn their dreams of their own cafe into a reality. After attending Employment Plus courses at the local Salvation Army base to help build on their knowledge, skills and confidence, in 2023 their first venture, “DBN Cafe”, was opened.
After three years, the cafe has outgrown its roots and its name, moving into a larger space, based within the Salvation Army basement in Friar’s Gate in Exeter, and rebranding to “EX4”. Open every Thursday from 10am – 12:30pm, the cafe offers a welcoming environment to all within the community that may be facing isolation, loneliness or be struggling to create vital support networks.
Dan Martins, Chair of EX4, said “EX4 is a space to bring people together who are potentially isolated or from complex backgrounds, and allows them to meet like-minded people. The cafe provides a social space and a hub for information and signposting – with the added bonus of great food and drinks!”
The cafe prioritises serving cost of living friendly, home-cooked food. Customers can get a full English breakfast with unlimited tea or coffee for £3.50.
Councillor Diana Moore attended the cafe opening, saying "Its so great to see the EX4 team grow in confidence as the community enterprise has grown. The Cafe is a much valued meeting space, offering affordable food and a warm welcome."
You can visit the EX4 cafe every Thursday, open from 10.00am -12.30pm. The cafe is open to everybody and a warm welcome is extended to all, with tea, coffee and friendly conversation.
Find the cafe at:
Lucky Lane Entrance
Friars Gate
Exeter
EX2 4AZ
United Kingdom
Michael Caines MBE is one of the UK’s most celebrated and acclaimed chefs, a successful and imaginative hotelier, a respected spokesperson for the hospitality industry, and a patron and fundraiser several of national and local charities, and community organisations. Michael has been honoured to be named Deputy Lieutenant to the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, and does extensive community work across Devon. Find out more about Michael and his work on his website, which you can find here.
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