A cafe in Norwich is wowing regulars thanks to a new look, with the space transformed by a dedicated team of volunteers. 

NR2 Community Skills Share is a charity and it opened Bread & Roses Community Cafe in Suffolk Square along Vauxhall Street last June. 

It was able to take on the site, which is opposite Jenny Lind Park, thanks to a generous grant from Norwich Consolidated Charities.
Eastern Daily Press: Emma Corlett, chair of trustees, outside the Bread & Roses Community Cafe Picture: Denise BradleyEmma Corlett, chair of trustees, outside the Bread & Roses Community Cafe Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

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It closed for a revamp at the start of March and it has now reopened with changes including yellow walls, donated kitchen equipment and a new layout with more accessibility. 

Eastern Daily Press: Melanie Kemp, front of house at the Bread & Roses Community Cafe Picture: Denise BradleyMelanie Kemp, front of house at the Bread & Roses Community Cafe Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

Emma Corlett, chair of trustees for NR2 Community Skills Share, said: "It has been possible thanks to our amazing builder Jim with a team of volunteers.

Eastern Daily Press: A fry-up from Bread & Roses Community Cafe Picture: Denise BradleyA fry-up from Bread & Roses Community Cafe Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

"Our name comes from an old song that says 'give us bread, but give us roses', which to us means it is not just about feeding people but also creating opportunities."

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Customers can enjoy affordable home-cooked food including fry-ups, a daily special such as cottage pie or lasagne, paninis, soup, scones and cakes, with tea, coffee and hot chocolate for just £1. 

Eastern Daily Press: A scone from Bread & Roses Community Cafe Picture: Denise BradleyA scone from Bread & Roses Community Cafe Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

There are pay-it-forward meals available, made possible through the charitable grant and public donations, and it is a real living wage employer. 

When the cafe is closed it runs various community activities, ranging from board games to crafts, in partnership with local organisations. 

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Eastern Daily Press: Inside the newly refurbished Bread & Roses Community Cafe Picture: Denise BradleyInside the newly refurbished Bread & Roses Community Cafe Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

After the Easter holidays, homework clubs will start and they will include a home-cooked meal. 

Ms Corlett added: "The cafe is a real focal meeting point for people that live in the area and we have had great support from the community."

The Bread & Roses Community Cafe opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 1.30pm and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.