Winchester Cafe Unveils Exciting New Community Dinner Initiative
Røst coffee shop in Winchester introduces monthly community dinners to foster connections
Winchester, UK, Community Dinners, Røst Coffee Shop, Healthy Eating
Winchester: The Røst coffee shop is kicking off a fun new idea with monthly community dinners. These gatherings are like dinner parties where up to 12 guests can join in, but here’s the twist: you don’t know anyone else attending!
Oliver Ballantyne, one of the cafe’s owners and a talented chef, is the mastermind behind this initiative. He’s all about bringing people together over some hearty, healthy food, and it only costs £10 per person.
Oliver shared that the goal is to build a sense of community. He believes that sharing a meal can help people connect. You might meet someone new and then recognize them later on the street. It’s all about creating bonds.
I got to experience the first dinner on December 12, and it was a blast! There were six of us, including Oliver’s co-owner, Nick, and guest chef Olivia. The vibe was super cozy, like hanging out in a friend’s living room.
The menu was Indian-inspired and completely plant-based. We had sweet potato, kale, and chickpea curry to start, followed by coconut curry and pakora, and for dessert, there was caramelized plantain with turmeric ice cream. Everything was made fresh right there!
Oliver and Olivia really nailed it with the food. It was all gluten-free, except for the pakora, which was a nice touch. Oliver wants everyone to feel welcome, so he’s committed to keeping the meals plant-based and offering gluten-free options.
Nick chimed in, saying that even if you live in a busy place, it can feel lonely without connections. Røst is a great spot for meeting new folks, especially if you’re open to it.
The night was filled with great conversation and delicious food. I had a fantastic time, and I’m not even gluten-free! The next community dinner is set for February 6, and it’ll feature North African dishes.
Tickets are available on Røst’s social media, so if you’re interested, grab one for just £10 plus a booking fee. It’s a wonderful way to meet new people and enjoy some tasty food!