We have officially opened our Sanctuary Café in the heart of Reading.
More than 70 guests gathered on Wednesday, 29th August evening to celebrate the official opening.
A welcoming community space in the historic RISC building on London Street, Reading.
The café, located within the former RISC World Cafe, brings new life to a much-loved community venue that has been at the heart of Reading for many years. The official opening was marked by Reading’s Mayor, Cllr Paul Gittings, who cut the ribbon and served the café’s very first cup of coffee.
Guests included sanctuary seekers, supporters, volunteers, community organisations, local partners and funders, all coming together to celebrate a project that combines great food and drink with social impact.
The Sanctuary Café will be open to the public on Tues-Fri from 8am to 2pm & Sat from 8am-4pm, serving freshly prepared meals and speciality coffee made by refugee chefs, cooks and baristas. Every purchase directly supports Refugee Support Group’s work helping refugees and people seeking asylum rebuild their lives.
Speaking at the launch, Refugee Support Group CEO Najwa Al Abdallah said:
“This space has been beloved by the community for many years. And now, it will serve a new purpose—one powered by hospitality, hope and dignity. From today, the café will open its doors to the public, serving great coffee and meals made by refugee chefs and cooks. Here, every cup, every plate carries more than flavour—it carries a story of survival, courage and purpose.
We will also offer barista apprenticeships, helping sanctuary seekers build real skills and move into employment opportunities. In the afternoons, the café becomes a hub for support—a place where we deliver services that help people rebuild their lives.”
Founded more than 30 years ago, Refugee Support Group supports refugees and people seeking asylum across Berkshire. Alongside legal advice, casework and practical support, the charity helps people integrate into their new communities through education, employment support and wellbeing activities.
The Sanctuary Café is central to that mission. Creating a welcoming space for the wider community, it will provide training opportunities and pathways into employment.
Reading’s Mayor, Cllr Paul Gittings, who has chosen Refugee Support Group as one of his three Charities of the Year, praised the new venture, saying:
“Now more than ever, it is important that we come together as a community and ensure that Reading is a welcoming place for everyone. The Sanctuary Café is a wonderful example of that commitment.”
You are invited to visit the Sanctuary Café at 35–39 London Street, Reading, where every coffee, meal and conversation helps create opportunities, build connections and support people rebuilding their lives in Berkshire.
Guests also had the opportunity to view the Portraits of Resilience Exhibition – Coming to Reading soon!
*
Photos by Ian Longthorne
