Highland Hospice charity café in the Eastgate shopping centre in Inverness turns over a new leaf to become a café-bookshop
A popular Inverness charity café is set to close for refurbishment as it prepares for a “new chapter”.
Highland Hospice’s In the City venue on ghe ground floor of the Eastgate shopping centre will stop welcoming customers for two weeks as it is transformed into a café-bookshop.
Starting from October 22, customers will be able to not only to enjoy their favourite coffees and treats but also to browse a wide selection of pre-loved books.
Closing temporarily on October 5, the refurbishment aims to create a haven for book lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike.
Upon reopening, the space will offer a carefully curated collection of fiction, crime, romance, cookery and children’s books.
Affordable prices are promised, as well as “the perfect place to relax, read and enjoy food and hot beverages”.
Andrew Leaver, head of income and development at Highland Hospice, said: “The new café and bookshop will combine two simple pleasures: enjoying a cup of coffee and finding a good book.
“We believe this will make the café a special community hub and an even more inviting space for customers. Plus, every book sold will help support the important work of Highland Hospice.”
As part of the refurbishment, the café will accommodate new bookshelves, signage, and an updated layout. The focus will be on offering high-quality, gently used books, with over 1,000 titles expected to be available at launch.
All books will be sold at prices ranging from £2 to £5.
Customers are being told to expect “a seamless blend of the cosy café experience they know and love, combined with the joy of discovering a good book”.
The menu will remain unchanged, offering fresh cakes, sandwiches, soups, and hot drinks.
The refurbished café will also continue to support Highland Hospice’s mission to provide quality care and support for patients and families dealing with life-limiting illnesses.
Every purchase made will contribute directly to funding the Hospice’s services.
The official reopening of In the City Café & Bookshop will be previewed on social media, with updates on the progress of the refurbishment and sneak peeks of what’s to come.