Changing Lives One Job at a Time

Barista and Beyond Announces Closure on February 29th, 2024

Today Ways into Work CIC is announcing the closure of Barista and Beyond its’ social enterprise café located in Reading. Its’ final day of trading will be Thursday February 29th, 2024. This difficult decision comes after careful consideration of the challenging trading conditions that have impacted our business in recent months balanced with the need to provide financial stability to the wider operations of Ways into Work who will continue in its’ delivery of Supported Employment to vulnerable clients groups across Berkshire.

“We are incredibly grateful for the loyalty and support of our customers, staff, and the entire community since opening” said Maurice George, Managing Director of Ways into Work. “Whilst the commercial success of the café has proved challenging to achieve we feel proud that it has delivered on it’s social aims”.  In partnership with New Directions College, Barista and Beyond has provided 30 work placements for students with disabilities studying a hospitality course since opening in late 2022. In addition to this the Cafe has become a hub for special schools and colleges to use as a social venue. We have hosted community group lunches ranging from the Reading Hong Kong Society to the Rotary Club. Two long term supported Internships placements have been carried out during the period the cafe has been open and work experience placements for four Berkshire education providers have been delivered. We are particularly proud that we were able to employ two members of staff with learning disabilities and additional needs.

“We understand that this closure will impact our valued employees and customers.”  Maurice George continued. “We are committed to supporting our staff through this transition and ensuring a smooth closure process. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to our customers for their continued patronage and wish them all the best.”

Barista and Beyond will remain open for business until February 29th, 2024 and we look forward to welcoming you one last time.

Once again, we want to thank everyone who has been a part of the Cafe Barista and Beyond journey. We are proud of the memories and opportunities we have created and the relationships we have built in the community. Should you wish to find out more about the supported employment service that Ways into Work provide please visit www.waysintowork.com For further comment or queries relating to Barista and Beyond’s decision to close please contact info@waysintowork.com or 0300 561 0010.

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday:

7:30AM – 4:00PM

Saturday – Sunday:

8:30AM – 4:00PM

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