Merkinch to get new community cafe in joint church venture
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BARISTA-made coffees at affordable prices will soon be on the menu at a new venture hoping to serve the needs of an Inverness community.
The Coffee House is preparing to open for business in the Bike Shed in Merkinch, where local families have long called for a cafe.
It is a joint partnership involving the Methodist Church and King’s Fellowship which runs a successful coffee shop in a converted fish processing factory on the Smithton Industrial Estate.
Also involved is Arts in Merkinch which already uses the Bike Shed in Grant Street as a venue.
The Coffee House was among projects chosen by local residents to receive £2500 from a funding pot made up of a ward discretionary budget and Scottish Government funding.
Dave Saunders, a part-time pioneer minister with the Methodist Church, is involved in the venture which will provide a place for people to meet socially.
A part-time woodworker, also known as the Bearded Woodworker, he and other volunteers have used reclaimed wood including old doors, crates and driftwood to create a rustic style.
"In my head, I had this idea of a cross between an old shed and a living room," he explained. "I wanted every nook and cranny to have something interesting to look at.
"There is something quite inviting about a cosy space and a warm, homely environment. It encourages friendship, laughter, a place to share your pains or struggles – all these things."
Mr Saunders, who has worked in the area for 15 years, says it will be more than just a coffee shop. The aim is for it to be a hub for the community with the proceeds being ploughed back into the community.
The plan is to provide training and work placements for people to allow them to gain skills so they are more employable. He also envisages introducing evening events such as live music or poetry, craft workshops and art exhibitions.
To get the new venture off the ground, JD Bump, an experienced barista at the King’s coffee house, will spend one day a week at the Bike Shed.
Chris Dowling, pastor of King’s Fellowship, said surveys in 2011 and 2015 revealed Merkinch residents felt the area desperately needed a cafe.
"What it would like to have is the best coffee shop in the area," he said. "We are trying to make it affordable and make it that no coffee costs more than £2."
Although it is a church-led project, he stressed the aim was not to preach to customers.
"You do not get a copy of the New Testament with your latte," he said.
"It is open for people of faith or no faith. The coffee shop we have run in Smithton for the last 14 years draws in people from all walks of life.
"It is about a vision of trying to create community. If people want to ask questions and that leads to discussion, that is fine but that is not the main focus."
