New cafe to help boost cash-strapped cathedral

A new cafe is set to generate much-needed income for a cash-strapped cathedral.

Cath opened within the Peterborough Cathedral Precincts, offering a "welcome space" for visitors.

The cathedral's chief operating officer, Jack Pishhorn, said the cafe would "make a positive contribution to the cathedral's income" by increasing visitor spend and encouraging people to spend more time on site.

Sam Smith and Chris Coley, owners of the cafe, said: "We're incredibly excited to be opening in such a prestigious location and to bring something truly special to Peterborough."

"Our vision is to create a vibrant, welcoming space for everyone to enjoy, whether you're popping in solo or spending time with family," they added.

It will be operated by external partners, with the cathedral receiving income through the commercial arrangement as par of its long-term sustainability strategy.

Last year, the Norman cathedral warned it could not open seven days a week without entrance fees, before launching a 'Cathedral in Crisis' fundraising campaign.

It has since raised more than £300,000 to safeguard its future.

The money has been used for essential repairs to parts of the Grade I listed building and to bring in a new cohort of choristers.

Despite this, a spokesperson for the cathedral said it continued to face financial pressures, adding that it costs about £5 per minute to remain open, with a current funding gap of around £1,600 per day.

The team has been working on a long-term sustainable strategy including developing new income streams such as the café, expanding the events programme, increasing fundraising and grant income, and improving operational sustainability.

Currently, the cathedral is home to the Natural History Museum's titanosaur - the largest known dinosaur ever to walk the Earth.

Pishhorn described the dinosaur's arrival, as part of the ticketed experience, as a "landmark" moment.

"It represents a real shift in how we're thinking about the cathedral's future, as a place where world-class exhibitions and experiences can sit alongside our historic setting," he added.

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