As a Church community we faced a challenge. Our community buildings were becoming unfit for purpose. They were hidden behind a fence and a high hedge, creating a barrier to the community we sought to serve. We needed a user friendly, easy to access, renewed building, with a purpose. Something that would attract those who would otherwise never cross our threshold. So the idea of a community café was born.
Working groups were set up from our church family to drive our dream forward. A great deal of thought went into the design of the building and once the final plans were approved we had the challenge of raising well over £400,000. This has been largely achieved and the building was opened in February 2013. A vote was taken by our Church family and the name Zeph’s was chosen. Staff were appointed, the commercial kitchen and café were fitted out, furniture was delivered, supplies were purchased and the public began to pour in. The light, airy, easy to access café we dreamed of was a reality.
There is ample car parking space in the Oadby shoppers’ car park (immediately adjacent to Zeph’s) outside and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere inside. We said Zeph’s was to be “an expression of God’s love for the community”. And that’s what it is!
Which is why our Mission Statement is:
Zeph’s is an attractive, warm and welcoming café at the heart of the community, where all ages will be able to eat, rest and relax, in premises promoting Christian values.
