By Stan Millar, Marketing & Communications Intern

Last Tuesday, I had the pleasure of heading over to Ashford to visit two of Lily’s Social Kitchen’s community-focused spaces. I’ve heard a lot about the incredible work they do creating opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autism, so I wanted to see first-hand what their café environments are like. The trip left me feeling inspired, welcomed, and genuinely connected to the local community.

A Warm Welcome at the Singleton Café

My first stop was the small Lily’s café inside the Singleton Community Centre. It’s a cosy, friendly spot — the kind of place where you instantly feel at ease. One thing that really stood out was their “pay what you feel” approach. Whether you’re buying a coffee, cake, or one of their homemade treats, you pay whatever amount feels right for you. It’s such a brilliant way to keep the café accessible to everyone while still encouraging community connection.

The cakes looked delicious, the hot chocolate was lovely, and there was a relaxed buzz in the space. Being inside the community centre makes it feel like a real hub — local groups use the cafe to meet and connect over the servings in the cafe.  With toys both inside and outside its a space for all ages to enjoy!

Overall, Singleton’s café has a wholesome charm. It’s simple, welcoming, and grounded in kindness. I left feeling like I’d stepped into the heart of a community.

Holiday Extras: Fresh Food in a Modern Space

Next, I visited the Lily’s Social Kitchen space inside Holiday Extras, a holiday booking and planning office located on Ashford Road. This café has a completely different vibe — modern, sleek, and very busy, serving people on the go.

Here, Lily’s runs a sandwich and baguette bar, offering fresh food for staff and visitors. You can pre-order your meal or grab something straight from the counter. There was a great variety of food, all looking fresh and tasty.

The building itself is impressive, with huge windows overlooking a beautiful lake outside. Inside, the office space is bright, open, and stylish. It’s a fantastic setting for a café, and Lily’s fits right in with the positive, energetic atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Visiting both Lily’s Social Kitchen spaces in Ashford gave me a real sense of what the organisation is all about — inclusion, community, and great food. Whether it’s a small community café making everyone feel welcome, or a vibrant workplace eatery serving busy professionals, Lily’s brings warmth, purpose, and connection into every space they run.

I had a great time exploring these locations, and it made me even prouder of the work we support through Lily’s. I’m already looking forward to my next visit.