The Café at Waverley Abbey offers comfort, connection and great coffee to its local community.
Upgraded and refreshed for 2025, the refurbished Café @ Waverley Abbey is open and ready to welcome guests.
We sat down with Natalia, Waverley Abbey’s Food and Beverage Operations Manager, to chat about why The Café at Waverley Abbey is more than just a space to get a great coffee.
Welcoming everyone
‘Our café isn’t about getting people in and out quickly, or serving as many people as possible,’ says Natalia. ‘We want to build long-lasting relationships. We take time to get to know our customers. Visiting Waverley Abbey’s café is like a form of therapy. People will listen to you and you’ll always be welcomed.’
A space for rest and reflection
‘Our aim is to give customers space to reflect and take their time,’ shared Natalia when we asked her about the vision for The Café at Waverley Abbey.
‘I recently spoke to a man who was grieving the loss of a family member. He had come to the café because he wanted to leave his house and reflect. He was able to chat with me and share, but also to make the most of Waverley Abbey. He took a walk in the Remembering Garden and had space to reflect.’
‘The cafe has a tranquil feel to it. I feel like I can just relax and be myself.’ Café guest
A place for connection and encouragement
‘The Café at Waverley Abbey is inclusive for everyone. The range of people we welcome every week keeps growing…’, says Natalia. Current regulars include:
- Dog walkers enjoying the Waverley Abbey ruins
- Cyclists finding somewhere to refresh and regroup
- Families spending weekends making the most of the huge outdoor space for children to run around
- Friendship groups wanting to make it their regular place to hang out
- A local youth group - using the café to practice life skills like ordering and paying for food and drinks
- People coming for birthday parties, family gatherings and memorials
‘Having lived in the area for years, we truly appreciate Waverley Abbey opening its doors - the lovely café, access to the ruins, and the peaceful prayer walk (plus easy parking!). Since the café opened, we’ve loved bringing friends and family, and everyone finds it relaxing.’ Ginny, café regular
‘Fabulous location. But also gorgeous homemade food. Stunning views and very comfortable and elegant furnishings inside.’ Trip Advisor
More than just a café
‘We’re thinking about ways to open up the whole of Waverley Abbey House to as many people as possible. To connect with and welcome in a larger community,’ says Natalia.
Join us at a Waverley Abbey event
Waverley Abbey House’s 2025 event calendar is filling up quickly.
Waverley Abbey’s hospitality team will be hosting Mother’s Day Afternoon teas this spring. Natalia also hopes to open the house’s dining room for evening meals and Sunday roasts very soon.
Planning is underway for an Easter extravaganza with an Easter egg hunt, petting zoo, face painting and lots of family fun.
Keep an eye on our event calendar to see what’s coming up at Waverley Abbey House.
What’s on the menu?
‘We are trying to think about everyone with our menu and events. Our homemade food is made onsite. Whether you’re visiting with babies, older family members, are on a health kick or need your food to be gluten free. We tailor our offering to everyone.’
Have a look at the cafe menu, directions and opening hours.
‘People who come here for the first time and experience the warm welcome and hospitality want to come back again.’
PRAY WITH US
Father God,
Thank You that You delight in friendship, connection and conversation.
Please draw people to the beautiful venue and setting You’ve provided at Waverley Abbey. We pray that everyone who visits the café and house will feel loved, valued and welcomed.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen