The Umbrella Centre Cafe

Founding Member

The Umbrella Centre Cafe

              

The Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre is a cherished local charity, guided by a dedicated group of Trustees who work collaboratively to uphold our charitable aims and maintain financial stability.

 

For over 30 years, our home has been The Umbrella Centre (formerly St Mary’s Parish Hall), a treasured community asset in the heart of Whitstable, leased from the council. Although we benefit from a rent concession, we are largely self-funded through room hire, supplemented occasionally by grant support.

 

Our daily operations are managed by a small, committed team consisting of one full-time and one part-time staff member. The Umbrella Centre Café is a vital part of our mission, and we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve recently joined the Circular Kitchens Community.

 

This certification reflects our commitment to sustainable, eco-conscious practices—embracing plastic-free, zero-waste, and locally sourced ingredients as part of our journey to make Whitstable greener.

 

Join us at the Umbrella Centre Café, where every visit supports our community initiatives and contributes to a sustainable future for all.
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Opening Times:

Monday 9am – 3pm

Tuesday 9am – 3pm

Wednesday 9am – 3pm

Thursday 9am – 3pm

Friday 9am – 3pm

Saturday – Closed

Sunday – Closed

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Our Sustainability Commitments

Going Plastic Free

  ⭐We have replaced all customer-facing plastics with sustainable alternatives. ✅

  ⭐⭐We use large refill sizes for all consumables and non-consumables. ✅

  ⭐⭐We avoid all soaps and cleaning products containing microplastics and toxic chemicals. ✅

  ⭐⭐⭐We pledge to avoid as far as possible all single use plastics upon deliveries from suppliers.✅

Being Ecological

  ⭐We track the organic/ecological status of all our input. 

  ⭐We treat staff fairly and support the community. ✅

  ⭐⭐We have increased organic/ecological inputs over time and source responsibly/ethically.

  ⭐⭐⭐We communicate the organic/ecological status of your food and beverages on our menu.

Buying Local

  ⭐We track the region of origin of all our inputs. 

  ⭐⭐We have increased the local/regional content of all our inputs over time. 

  ⭐⭐⭐We communicate the region of origin of our food and beverages on our menu.

Reaching Zero Waste

  ⭐We reduce food waste to the minimum. ✅

  ⭐We recycle or refurbish equipment, furniture and fittings upon disposal (divert from landfill). ✅

  ⭐⭐We are energy & water efficient and use renewable electricity.

  ⭐⭐⭐We calculate our carbon emissions, reduce our footprint & invest in reliable carbon projects. 

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